How Can I Maintain My Child's Oral Hygiene Between Dental Cleaning Appointments

Taking your child to the dentist twice per year for a pediatric dental cleaning and exam is one of the most important things you can do for the long-term health of their smile. Still, parents should not discount the significance of their child's at-home dental hygiene routine. Particularly for younger children, it is essential for parents to model and encourage appropriate dental and oral care routines to help prevent cavities and other problems while also helping the child establish healthy habits that will eventually translate into an independent care regimen.

At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Lawrenceville, GA, pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni Kong takes great care to ensure children and their parents are equally educated and capable of proper oral hygiene practices for kids. Review these helpful tips and recommendations to help protect your child's dental and oral health between visits with Dr. Jeni.

How often should kids get teeth cleaned?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children whose dental and oral health is otherwise intact visit the dentist twice per year — or once every six months for dental cleanings. This also allows Dr. Jeni and our team to evaluate your child's dental health, gums, oral development, and other factors. Should a cavity, decay, heavy plaque buildup, or other issues be identified, Dr. Jeni may recommend more frequent visits for a period of time and/or specific treatments to address more immediate needs.

How can I help my child take care of their teeth?

Between dental cleanings in our office, it is imperative that parents take a proactive role in their child's dental and oral health. Recommendations for helping your children with their dental care will vary from family to family based on multiple factors, including the child's age, maturity and responsibility levels, physical dexterity, and others. Generally speaking, some tips for helping kids take care of their teeth at home include:

• For toddlers and younger children, it may be necessary to physically help them brush and floss until they're able to do so independently
• Encourage and remind your child to brush, floss, and rinse using techniques recommended by Dr. Jeni
• Consider alarms, timers, and other aids to help children establish consistent routines and ensure adequate time spent on dental care
• Model consistent and appropriate dental care routines yourself
• Talk with your child about the link between their diet (including drinks) and their dental and oral health, and provide healthy options
• Use positive reinforcement

When should kids start brushing their own teeth?

Again, every child and scenario is unique, so the answer to this question will vary from case to case. During each appointment, Dr. Jeni will discuss how your child's at-home dental hygiene habits are progressing and will provide recommendations as appropriate. On average, children are typically ready and able to begin brushing their teeth on their own in early elementary school. Still, be sure to keep an eye on your child's teeth and continue to encourage appropriate dental and oral hygiene to ensure they remain consistent. If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your child's teeth or mouth between visits, don't hesitate to reach out to our caring team to schedule an evaluation.

Play a role in your child's dental health at home and in-office with comprehensive pediatric dentistry services in Lawrenceville, GA

Helping your child take care of their teeth may feel daunting at times, but with consistency and guidance from our dedicated team of pediatric dental specialists, you can feel confident in your approach and begin to see lifelong habits forming that will help to keep your child's smile healthy and strong in the long term. To learn more about the unique aspects of caring for a child's teeth, call to schedule a consultation and examination with Lawrenceville, GA children's dentist Dr. Jeni Kong at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry today.