Start Routine Care Early
Your child’s first tooth should come in between six months to a year of age. But beginning a cleaning routine early is key. Use a gauze pad or clean soft cloth dipped in water to wipe around the gums. Once teeth begin to come in, use a small soft toothbrush to brush the teeth. As children get older, supervise them each time they brush their teeth until at least kindergarten to ensure they are brushing correctly. Children should brush at least twice a day for two minutes a day and floss each night.
Visit Dentist Reguarly
During early dental visits we are able to watch for developing malocclusion by making sure the bite and jaw line are form correctly. Begininng dental visits before age 1, gives your child the best start for preventing tooth decay through cleanings. Your cchild will also give them fluoride treatments to strengthen your tooth’s enamel and sealants to protect their teeth from decay.
Put Only Water in the Bottle at Night
Many parents put their infants and toddlers to bed with a bottle, but sugars in juice, formula and milk will cling to your infant’s gums and teeth, causing decay. If you must give your child a bottle during the night, use only water.
Use Fluoride
At Mahomet Family Dentistry, we use fluoride that is painted onto the teeth. The fluoride enters the tooth enamel and makes the tooth hard. Parents should also buy fluoride enriched toothpaste and children should drink tap water, as it has fluoride added to it. Many bottled water does not.
Get Sealants
Sealants quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.
Eat Healthy High Fiber Fruits and Vegetables
Eating high fiber fruits and vegetables after a meal help the body to produce saliva, a natural cavity fighting substance. Good sources of fiber are dried fruits such as dates, raisins and figs, and fresh fruits, like bananas, apples and oranges. Other options include veggies, such as beans, Brussels sprouts and peas, along with peanuts, almonds and bran.
Dr. Kassem provides comprehensive treatment plans for patients of all ages, while also using the latest technologies for restorative and cosmetic dental procedures, so patients can achieve excellent oral health. It is also important to Dr. Kassem that each patient is educated on proper routine oral-care techniques and that any concerns are promptly addressed—he and his staff take pride in spending ample time with each patient. He also enjoys talking to patients over the years, learning about their interests and family. Dr. Kassem’s staff has become an extension of his family as the practice has grown in the last 15 years.
