Family Dentistry in Grand Prairie: Instill Good Brushing Habits

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

children's dental exam Arlington Family Dentistry in Grand Prairie

New Arlington parents may be surprised by the American Dental Association’s recommendations on children’s oral care. Parents are advised to begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge. After all, brand-new teeth are just as vulnerable to dental cavities as older teeth. Parents are encouraged to use a cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice to wipe each tooth. As more teeth come in, it becomes more critical for the teeth to be brushed after each meal or, at least twice a day.

It is important to settle upon the proper toothbrush, in order to make brushing time as pleasant as possible. A soft-bristled brush is best with a small amount of toothpaste. Infant and toddler-sized toothbrushes with a small head of bristles are beneficial. Also, there are circular and triangular brushes that allow your toddler to walk around with their brush with less chance of injury in case of a fall.

If your toddler doesn’t like the taste of toothpaste, brush with water for a while. The goal is to remove food bits that will create bacteria followed by plaque and then cavities. Until the child is old enough to properly brush his or her teeth, they should receive adult supervision and guidance. Instilling the proper brushing and flossing procedures will reap lifelong benefits. While it may seem that supervising them is time-consuming, remember that it’s creating a daily habit that will guard their health. Also, dental expenses related to poor oral hygiene will be avoided.

Your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. It may seem early to schedule an appointment for family dentistry in Grand Prairie, but most parents bring their child to the pediatrician this early. You can depend on your dentist to look out for potential troubles and advise you about how to help your child preserve a healthy smile.

After scheduling an appointment for family dentistry in Grand Prairie, we can discuss topics such as sealants, x-ray safety, and fluoride supplements. We can also counsel parents with older children about mouth guards for athletes. If you live in the Grand Prairie area and don’t yet have a trusted family dentist, call Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 817-274-7875 to schedule your child’s first appointment. By starting young, your child will become familiar with our dental practice and our friendly staff, ensuring that he or she never develops a fear of the dentist. Along with family dentistry in Grand Prairie, we also offer services such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and emergency dental care.

Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:

817-274-7875

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013

 

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