Brush, floss, and eat well. You do these things, but what about your child? Your young family members need good oral hygiene so both 
baby teeth and adult teeth stay strong. Let Dr. Tamara Simons and her team at Roseville Dentistry in Roseville, MN help you guide your youngster toward a lifelong, healthy smile.
Start right away
Parents can begin good oral hygiene habits right away as they clean their little ones' mouths with a moistened 4x4 or washcloth after each feeding. As those baby teeth emerge, begin brushing--yes, brushing--right away with a small, soft brush and a smear of non-fluoridated toothpaste. When you see that first tooth, be sure to call your child's dentist in Roseville for a get-acquainted visit.
The American Dental Association recommends a light smear of fluoride toothpaste for kids beginning at age three. At six, children can use a pea-sized amount. Mom or Dad must help with both brushing and flossing (once a day for flossing) until a child has sufficient dexterity and maturity to go unsupervised.
Special considerations
At your child's first dental check-up by age one, your Roseville children's dentist will count his or her teeth, check for decay and gum disease (youngsters get it, too) and assess bite, jaw development, and eruption of baby teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists advises an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to ward off complex alignment issues and to use the flexibility of a child's bone structure to make treatment quicker and easier.
An important part of good oral hygiene is this semi-annual visit. It includes a gentle, but thorough cleaning. The hygienist flosses and scales the teeth, and very importantly, teaches families the proper way to floss and brush, particularly if braces are in place.
The family diet
When Mom or Dad models healthy eating habits, good nutrition naturally becomes part of a child's oral hygiene routine. Good choices always include:
- Dairy products
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- High fiber breads and cereals
- High protein meats, poultry, and fish
Offering great-tasting healthy choices every day avoids high sugar/carb choices. Of course, water helps clean and hydrate young teeth and gums.
Find out more
Please contact Roseville Dentistry to arrange your child's semi-annual visit with Dr. Simons. Bring your questions about oral hygiene. The doctor and her caring team will be happy to answer them and to encourage your family to have the best possible smiles. Call today: (651) 489-1900.