Preventive Dentistry Parents do everything they can to shield their children and protect them from, well, everything. You make sure your child eats right. You make sure that your child exercises and gets much time to play outside. You ensure that your child does his or her homework. You tuck them into bed, and you monitor their bedtime. You teach them discipline and manners. You do all of this so that one day, they won't need you to make decisions for them at all. Instead, they'll be able to make decisions for themselves.One of those decisions you make while you are shielding and protecting is the decision to take them to the dentist. We have to say; we applaud that decision. We know that when it comes to preventive dentistry, better to prevent a problem before it happens than try to fix a problem after it has already happened. Want to know more? Here are some tips from Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry about preventive dentistry for children. Teach Them to Have a Good DietIf your children learn to eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, their teeth will be healthier. This means that their diet should be rich in calcium (such as low-fat yogurt and cheese), vitamin A and vitamin C (fruits and veggies) and protein. All of these vitamins and minerals are essential for your child's teeth and gums. They help build tooth enamel, keep teeth and jaws strong, and help blood flow. The better your child eats, the healthier their teeth and gums will be. Healthy Brushing and Flossing Teach your child to brush and floss twice a day. If you begin when your child is an infant, healthy teeth maintenance will not be something they fear. Beginning with infancy, you can wipe your child's gums and emerging teeth to prevent cavities. You can begin brushing your child's teeth for them once the teeth begin to emerge. There are toothbrushes and toothpastes specifically made for infants and young children.Dental VisitsTake your child to the dentist twice a year for regular checkups. That way, if there is a problem, we can see it and work to solve any problems that come up. This is also your opportunity to ask questions to make sure you are doing everything you can to help your child's oral health. Preventative AidsThere are some things that we can do to help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease in children. One thing that has proven effective in preventing cavities in children is protective sealants. Sealants can be put on your child's teeth, especially their molars. Sealants effectively seal the molars, which are usually the first teeth to get cavities in children. We might also recommend that you do extra fluoride treatments at home to work on cavity prevention. Sometimes, children need an extra dose of fluoride to keep cavities at bay. Mouth Guard and Sports GuardsIf your child suffers from bruxism (teeth grinding) or participates in sporting activities, we may recommend a mouth or sports guard. A mouthguard is a plastic covering worn over the teeth to protect the enamel from trauma, injury, and other types of damage. We offer custom-fit guards because this type of appliance provides superior comfort and effectiveness. If you have questions about preventative care for your child, why not give Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry a call? Our number is (971) 459-2431. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. |
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