The Importance of Preventive Dental Care for Children  

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The habits people develop during childhood often remain with them for a lifetime. When it comes to oral health, one of the most important things you can do as a parent is start caring for your child’s teeth and gums as early as possible. You should also set a good example by eating nutritious foods and limiting sugary snacks yourself.

Oral Healthcare for Infants and Toddlers

Each time your baby nurses or finishes a bottle, be sure to wipe his or her gums with a clean gauze pad to prevent a build-up of bacteria. The team at A. Paul S. Bell, DDS also urge you to never put your baby to bed with a bottle. The formula residue remains on the gums all night and can lead to potential oral health issues when your child gets older.

When your baby starts cutting teeth, you should plan to brush them twice a day using just a pea-sized amount of toothpaste without fluoride. We typically advise parents to wait until their child is at least two years old to start using fluoridated toothpaste.

You can help your child not develop a sweet tooth by limiting the amount of candy, cookies, and fruit juice you have available in your home. Offer fruits and vegetables as snacks instead. Regular preventive dental care in Victorville, CA is also important.

When Should Your Child Visit a Dentist for the First Time?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) state that parents should schedule a preventive care exam by the time their child turns one or the first teeth erupt. Dr. Bell and his staff have completed specialized education to work exclusively with pediatric patients. Please contact us to schedule your baby’s first appointment or if we have not seen your child in more than six months.

 

Do I Have to Brush My Child’s Teeth?

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Some parents don’t know if their child should brush their teeth on their own. Your child’s dentist in Victorville CA can tell you whether you should be brushing your child’s teeth for them, or if your child is capable of brushing their teeth on their own. Below, we’ll help you decide for yourself whether your child needs this kind of help.

When To Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Most children need their teeth to be brushed until they reach the age of about 7 or 8 years old. They need this help brushing their teeth because children don’t always have the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth properly, and many don’t have the discipline to brush their teeth for a full two minutes.

Left to their own devices, children may not brush their teeth for long enough, and may miss important parts of their teeth during the brushing process. Children are prone to cavities, and poor brushing habits can make that problem worse.

Best Practices When Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

When brushing your child’s teeth, brush for two minutes with a tooth brush that is the right size for a child. If your child is not old enough to understand that they should not swallow their toothpaste, buy them non-fluoridated toothpaste. Your child’s dentist can show you how to brush your child’s teeth properly.

If you need help brushing your child’s teeth, bring your child in for a dental exam in Victorville CA. At A Paul S Bell, DDS Inc, we can help you learn how to brush your child’s teeth. During your child’s dental exam, we’ll show you the best techniques for getting their teeth on the sides, back and front. Call today to make an appointment.

3 Important Things to Know About Teeth Cleaning Appointments  

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All dentists agree, having your teeth cleaned regularly could be the single most important thing you do for your smile. Teeth cleaning in Victorville, CA involves eradicating built-up tartar and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth not addressed during standard brushing and flossing. Here is a look at a few things to know about the importance of getting your teeth cleaned professionally.

Proper teeth cleanings lower your risk of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is especially common for people who do not go to dental hygiene appointments. During a cleaning, the hygienist gets down under the gum tissue at the base of your teeth. This in-depth cleaning process removes harbored bacteria that contribute to gum disease development.

Teeth cleaning means less of a chance of stains on your teeth.

The longer hidden residue is allowed to hang out on the enamel of your teeth, the more likely it becomes that those stains become permanent. Stains are basically food particles that can etch their way into the tooth’s enamel over time and cause irreversible damage.

Dental hygiene appointments help keep your breath fresh.

Did you know that bad breath (halitosis) is more prominent among patients that do not get their teeth cleaned on a regular basis? The thorough cleaning process that takes place during a dental hygiene appointment gets rid of the bacteria that can lead to foul odors in the mouth.

Find a Victorville, CA Dentist to Get Your Teeth Cleaned

When all is said and done, dental hygiene appointments are a critical part of being proactive about your oral health. If you have not had your teeth cleaned in a while and need a Victorville dentist to help, reach out to us at the office of A. Paul S.Bell D.D.S. to schedule an appointment.

 

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