Regular Cleanings and Check-Ups Are Important
The pediatric dentistry team at Rochester Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is here to help your child build a healthy smile for life. That means practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting our office every six month for check-ups.
At these appointments, our team of experts will:
- Check for any underlying problems that may not be able to be seen or felt
- Provide a thorough cleaning of your child’s teeth
- Examine for signs of tooth decay
- Examine the health of the gums
- Monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws for any potential orthodontic issues.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is an important mineral that can help prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride works to help remineralize any areas where a cavity might start to form. Your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend an in-office fluoride treatment that will provide a higher concentration of fluoride than standard toothpaste offers.
This fluoride will be lightly applied on your child’s teeth to provide protection against cavities.
- Your child will get to choose their favorite flavor.
- Fluoride is quick and easy to apply using a small brush.
- Fluoride hardens immediately upon making contact with saliva.
- Your child can eat or drink immediately after their appointment.
- Fluoride provides an added layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are protective coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay. Oftentimes, molar teeth present with pits and grooves that can be so deep or irregular that brushing alone will not clean them properly.
Sealants work to fill in these deep pits and grooves.
- Prevent sticky foods and bacteria from accumulating on the chewing surfaces of the teeth
- Can prevent cavities by as much as 80%
- Blends in with the natural tooth color
Infant Exams – We will examine your child’s mouth in a knee-to-knee position with the child’s head in the dentist’s lap. This allows for the child to still see the parent as we are examining their emerging smile. After a physical examination, we will gently clean any teeth, instruct on proper care, and assess the need for any preventive measures, such as fluoride treatments. We will also discuss healthy eating habits, oral hygiene instructions, and assess the risk for dental decay.
Brushing Tips
- Begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth and water twice a day even before the first tooth appears.
- Supervise children under the age of 6 when brushing.
- Brush for at least 2 minutes.
- (Under age of 3) Begin brushing your child’s teeth with a soft bristled brush using a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste.
- (Over the age of 3) When your child is over the age of 3, use a “pea-sized” amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing Tips
- Begin flossing once your child’s teeth are touching. Flossing removes the plaque and bacteria between teeth and along the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Floss at least one a day.
- Assist your child in flossing until he or she can do it alone.
Healthy Diet – Healthy Teeth
Food that is healthy for your child’s body is healthy for their teeth.
- Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C will help to maintain healthy gums and includes oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and green peppers
- Calcium is important to build strong teeth and bones and include cheese, yogurt and milk
- Limit regular consumption of sugary drinks, such as fruit juice, soda pop, and sports drinks which can wear down the natural protective layer of enamel
- Avoid fruit snack gummies and starchy snacks which can attach to a child’s teeth and can lead to cavities
