No one is more important to you than your children. You want them to be happy. You want them to be healthy, too.
Having a healthy mouth can help with their happiness, which is just one reason you should make regular visits to your family dentist. For families in and around Johnson City, NY, Dr. Jerry Farrell can be that dentist for you and your loved ones.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. So, we are going to take some time to discuss what you can do to your family’s smiles looking their best, including regular dental checkups. Call 607-304-3993 today to make an appointment at our office.
It’s Never Too Early To Care About Oral Health
When you bring a newborn home, you can begin a daily oral care routine. Clean their gums a few times daily with a soft, clean cloth. After their first tooth emerges, you can begin brushing it with a child-sized toothbrush and a small bit of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). You can start flossing gently when your child has two teeth next to one another.
As your child gets older, they will want to do more things for themselves. A good way to teach them to brush and floss is by brushing and flossing your teeth at the same time they do. This way you can model the habits you want them to follow. By this time, you and your child can use a pea-sized squeeze of toothpaste to clean your teeth.
As a quick reminder, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time. You also should floss once per day to remove food particles and plaque from the spaces between your teeth and gums.
Professional Care Makes A Difference, Too
By age 11, more than half of kids in the United States will have at least one cavity. No matter how well your kids brush and floss, no one does these things perfectly every time. Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup. Professional exams are an opportunity to find problems early when treatment is easier.
You also can get fluoride treatments and dental sealants for additional protection for your favorite smiles. Fluoride is a mineral. When it’s applied to teeth, it makes them stronger and more resistant to decay. Sealants are a special coating that acts as a barrier between your kids’ teeth and harmful bacteria.
Of course, bacteria aren’t the only threat to your family’s smiles. For anyone who participates in high-impact sports and activities, we recommend athletic mouthguards. We are happy to create comfortable, custom-fitted mouthguards for your budding athletes. These mouthguards offer better protection than store-bought options.
Visit Us Soon
Whether you are new to Dr. Farrrell’s office or you are visiting us for the 50th time, we want you and your family to feel welcome at our Johnson City, NY dental practice. To request an appointment, contact us online or call 607-304-3993.