Spring is almost here, and with it often comes later bedtimes, busier days and fuller weekends. One relatively small part of a morning and evening routine one might consider focusing on brushing teeth for both themselves and their children.

Bountiful, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/06/2021 --Tooth decay, early cavities, and bad breath are all products of poor oral hygiene that we've seen in kids. It's not because parents don't care about their children's teeth. On the contrary, One's experience has shown us that parents care, very much. The issue is usually education. Parents need more guidance in how to care for their children's teeth and how to teach and instill good dental hygiene habits. 

Here we've put together a healthy teeth guide for kids (and parents) to help one right here in one's own home.

Healthy Guide to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

When Should We Start Brushing Teeth?

The answer to this one is simple. Start earlier than one may think before the first tooth has even erupted. Yes, one might not see a tooth in a sweet baby's gummy smile, but they are there. The primary teeth begin to form, usually, during the second trimester of the pregnancy. 

Before any teeth have come through, one will want to take a clean, wet washcloth and gently rub it over the baby's gums. This will wipe away bacteria, and begin to familiarize the baby with the idea of something being put in their mouth that does not have drinking, eating, or chewing purpose.

Once a tooth has erupted, a parent will consider a switch to an infant toothbrush and use a dab of fluoride toothpaste no larger than the size of a single grain of rice. Start flossing when the baby has two teeth side by side.

At three years of age, a baby can graduate from grain of rice size to pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Around two years old a parent can work with the child to practice spitting out the toothpaste instead of merely swallowing it.

When Should the First Dentist Visit Take Place?
It is recommended that kids have their first dentist office visit by the age of one year. We'll take the time to explain brushing and flossing to a toddler, and even do a quick dental exam. It's important for kids to become familiarized with the dentist's office early on to both normalize it, and minimize the potential for anxieties and fears to develop and become associated with a trip to the dentist. 

Moreover, by the age of one, the little one is likely drinking more than just milk or water and has definitely graduated to foods. We can identify potential problems early on and help the little ones get on track to having a healthy and happy smile.

Why Should One Take Their Kids to a Pediatric Dentist?
The importance of establishing healthy oral hygiene early on in life makes a huge difference when kids are older and more independent. A pediatric dentist is specially trained to work with children. In fact, pediatric dentists do an extra two years of dentistry school. We are trained to handle the communication and development limitations that young children have, pediatric dentist offices are designed to be appealing and comforting to children.

Can a Parent Prevent Cavities?
Yes! Cavities occur when food is left on, in between, or around the teeth instead of being brushed away. Bacteria forms, acid can collect and from there a cavity can form.

There are several things a parent can do to help prevent cavities. As one might have guessed, routine brushing and flossing make the top of that list. Make it part of their morning and nighttime routines if it's not already. Nevertheless, there are other things we can add to this list.

Fluoride toothpaste is important because fluoride introduced at regular intervals will strengthen a child's teeth. If their town or city water supply doesn't have fluoride added, One can talk to their pediatric dentist about what they can do to make sure their child's getting enough fluoride. 

Limit their sweets, sodas, and even juices. All those sugars can cause enamel erosion and damage to their teeth. Substitute for water when one can, or try watering down the juice. We recommend one doesn't provide soda at all, and if or when one does place limits on how much and encourage them to rinse their mouths out with water.

Can One Get Rid of Cavities?
Yes, if we determine that one's kid does have a cavity, whether it be a cavity on a front tooth or one more hidden in the back, we can treat cavities. This is typically done by doing a filling, where we literally fill the cavity. For front teeth, we may recommend a composite resin filling that will match the color of the tooth.

Pediatric Dental Treatment Options for Cavities
In spite of all prevention and routine brushing, it's not uncommon for us to find cavities in the kids we see. Sometimes we may recommend fluoride treatments. Sometimes we may recommend sealants, which is a seal that covers the tooth to protect the enamel all while maintaining the appearance of the tooth. 

We are currently offering $25 gift cards for kids who come in to sit in the big chair and have their teeth cleaned and checked from now through to April 15. 

We have offices in four convenient locations in the Salt Lake City area, thereby making it easier for one to get their kids in to see us. For more information about those gift cards, go here.

About Utah Pediatric Dentistry
We provide comprehensive dental services to children of all ages from infant to adolescence, of all needs including special needs, in a compassionate and caring manner. Our pediatric dental professionals are educated, experienced, and specially trained to provide dental hygiene education and dental services in a fun and inviting environment that will ensure a child has a positive experience in the dental office.