From baby bottle tooth decay, to flossing techniques, prevention strategies and regular dental appointments – you can count on Willowbrook Dental Clinic to guide you and your children each step of the way.
'Caries control' is a term which refers to the treatment and prevention of dental decay, or cavities in babies and children. Because controlling decay is a crucial element to babies overall dental health, caries control is an important focus for our younger patients.
Oral Health for Your Children
As soon as children's teeth begin to erupt, they are susceptible to tooth decay. Babies' teeth need to be cleaned twice daily, just like adults' teeth, to prevent dental decay.
Regular oral hygiene helps remove bacteria and prevents sugar from getting trapped in the tooth and gum area. If your baby doesn't have teeth yet, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe their gums after feeding, to get an early start.
If you child gets thirsty between meals or at night, water is normally the best choice. If your baby sleeps with a bottle, fill it with water instead of milk or juice.
This will help reduce exposure to decay-producing acids.
Early Brushing
Apply a small dab of children's toothpaste to an ultra-soft toothbrush, and brush your baby's gums and teeth gently. When your baby is able to spit after brushing, switch to fluoridated toothpaste.
Flossing
When the baby teeth have erupted, you can start flossing your child's teeth. Ask our dental team about our special flossers for kids!
How can we prevent dental problems in children?
We believe that lifelong oral health starts in childhood! Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups are crucial in maintaining excellent dental health as children grow.
At Willowbrook Dental Clinic, we provide a variety of services that support children's dental health, including:
- Regular checkups & cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Specialized advice for children's dental hygiene routines
These services all contribute to the dental health of our growing patients.
How often should children visit the dentist?
Children require a professional check-up and cleaning every six months, minimum. Every patient is different, and certain children may require more frequent check-ups or cleanings.