Kids
Cavity Free Club: Win prizes just for being cavity free!! Every month we draw for prizes to reward our favorite patients for just taking care of their teeth. Ask us how to get toys in return for no cavities.

Links for Parents
About Brushing: We believe that it is never too early for good dental care. Begin by cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums as soon as the first tooth appears. At first, use water and a piece of cotton gauze. As more teeth come in, use a small toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. As he or she grows, teach your child the best possible tooth care, and watch to be sure it’s done right once they are old enough. Don’t forget that regular trips to the dentist are a requirement for healthy teeth and gums.

Tips on brushing and flossing: Food and bacteria form a sticky substance on teeth called plaque. Bacteria in this plaque eats away at the tooth’s enamel (hard coating) and this causes tooth decay. Regular brushing and flossing keeps plaque from forming. Brush and floss your child’s teeth daily. When they are old enough, teach them to floss using a floss holder to help them get between back teeth.

Information on Fluoride: Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making tooth enamel stronger. Your first question should be if your community’s water has fluoride added to it. If not, ask your dentist if your child should be given fluoride supplements, or as we call them, vitamins for your teeth.

How Sealants Can Help: Sealants are a safe and painless way to protect your child’s back teeth from decay. A thin plastic coating is bonded to the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars and premolars. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food as well as bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves on the surface of the teeth. This low-cost way to protect teeth from cavities also saves money in the long run for parents by avoiding costly fillings.

What to Watch For: Look out for signs of decay in your child’s teeth that can harm your child’s growing smile. Never let your child sleep with a bottle. Even milk can sit in the mouth and can quickly cause tooth decay. Don’t let your child drink or snack without brushing before bed.

A Note on Thumb Sucking: Sucking on a thumb or pacifier is common and normal for a baby. But if either habit continues past age 3 or 4, it may lead to tooth or even jaw problems. If your child does use a pacifier, look for an orthopedic pacifier, which is best for the teeth and jaw.

A Quick Timeline: During teething, your baby may be grouchy. He or she may drool more than usual and also may chew on things to help them feel better. Cold teething rings, pacifiers, and numbing creams can help make teething easier for your baby. Starting around age 1, your child should have regular dental checkups every 6 months. These primary teeth start to come in between 4 and 18 months of age. In most children, all baby teeth are in place by age 3. Around age 6 or 7, baby teeth begin to fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. Most adult teeth are in place by the time your child is in his or her early teens.