Prevention

Good Oral Hygiene Begins Early On

Getting your children started on good dental hygiene and oral care early in their lives is vital. According to research, the most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay, affecting 50% of first-graders and 80% of 17-year-olds. Early treatment prevents problems affecting your child's health, well-being, self-image and overall achievement.

The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that children miss:

  • 52 million hours of school each year due to oral health problems.
  • Approximately 12.5 million days of restricted activity every year from dental symptoms.

Because this results in such a significant loss in their academic performance, the Surgeon General has made children's oral health a priority.

As a parent, you are responsible for ensuring your children's daily practice of good dental hygiene. Introduce proper oral care early in your children's lives—as early as infancy.

7 Tips from the American Dental Hygiene Association

Here are 7 steps for optimal oral hygiene recommended by the American Dental Hygiene Association and the pediatric team at The Super Dentists:

  1. Thoroughly clean your infant's gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant cloth. This stimulates the gum tissue and removes food.
  2. Brush your baby's erupted teeth gently with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
  3. Teach your children at age 2-3 about proper brushing and gentle flossing until their 7 or 8 years old.
  4. Schedule regular visits with their pediatric dentist to check for cavities in the primary teeth and for possible developmental problems.
  5. Encourage your child to discuss any fears they may have about visits to the pediatric dentist. The Super Dentists strive to put your children at ease and help them relax.
  6. Determine if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated. If not, discuss supplement options with your kids' dentist or hygienist.
  7. Ask our pediatric professionals about sealant applications to protect your child's chewing surfaces and about bottle tooth decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugared liquids.

 Prevent Tooth Decay with Fluoride

The best way for your child to receive fluoride's protection is by drinking water containing the right amount of the mineral. Children, who drink water containing fluoride from birth, have an average of up to 50 percent fewer cavities. If you and your children live in a community that does not have optimally fluoridated drinking water, let your pediatric dentist know and you'll be provided an alternative. 

 

Ensure Your Child's Mouth is Protected During Sports

 It's highly recommended that your child wear a mouth protector while participating in any sport or activity that has the risk of falling or head contact with other players or athletic equipment.
Periodically look at your children's teeth. Are they clean? Are they brushing the "white, soft" foods off their teeth?


Prevent Cavities and Practice Preventive Dentistry at Home  

  • Check to see if they are brushing correctly. The Super Dentists offer a video your kids can watch at home. Ask your kid's dentist about it.
  • Show them how to use dental floss regularly to clean in between their molars.
  • Remind them to brush after eating and snacking.
  • Use a timer (2-minute type), which our office can provide, in order to allow your child ample time for effective brushing.

 

Live in Oceanside, Escondido, or Chula Vista?

Make an Appointment For Your Child to See a Pediatric Dentist Today

Then, when you're looking for a kid's dentist in north or south San Diego county, call our office at (619) DENTIST (336-8478). If you prefer to e-mail us first, please do so at WhatsNew@TheSuperDentists.com. One of our friendly team members will respond to you promptly. For our office hours, San Diego locations and maps, simply click here.