Preventative care is one of the most valuable offerings provided at Children’s Dentistry of Coral Springs. It takes on a proactive approach to children’s smiles, leading with a mission of preventing dental problems before they start. This type of care is key for children, as oral health affects overall health and development. By never allowing their smiles to suffer the consequences of extensive decay or gum disease, children are more likely to have strong and healthy teeth that can last a lifetime.
To learn more about the preventative services we offer and the strategies we promote at our Coral Springs, FL practice, please read below.
Daily Brushing & Flossing
While we provide preventative care in our office, the truth is that prevention starts at home. The real power of preventing tooth decay and gum disease lies with you and your child. Our team members usually see your children only twice each year; between those visits, it is essential that a hygienic routine is established to keep their smiles in shape until the next visit.
As a parent, we know you’ve already instilled in your children the importance of brushing and flossing every day. That’s why we take it as our responsibility to educate you both on proper techniques and suggest toothpaste, brushes, and flossing products that are best tailored to their particular needs. While we will certainly cover this all in the office with you, below you will find a general guide to brushing and flossing for children of all ages.
Brushing:
- For infants, use a soft washcloth to wipe the gums after feeding and an infant toothbrush to brush any erupted teeth with a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste.
- For toddlers, use a small, soft-bristled brush with a smear of toothpaste to clean both the upper and lower teeth. Brushing should be done twice each day for at least two minutes.
- All older children and teenagers should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste to clean both the upper and lower teeth. Brushing should be performed at least twice each day for two minutes.
Flossing:
Flossing should become a daily part of the oral care regimen for children from the moment that their teeth begin to touch. Parents should demonstrate proper flossing technique, using dental floss to clean between each tooth and along the gum line.
Proper flossing technique is critical for removing plaque and debris from between teeth, as brushing alone cannot reach these areas. Flossing should be done daily once a day before brushing.
- First, a piece of floss should be cut and wrapped around the index fingers on each hand.
- Then, the floss is inserted between two teeth and gently swept in an up-and-down motion.
- The floss should be carefully moved against each tooth surface in a C-shaped curve.
- Finally, the floss should be moved to the next tooth and the process should be repeated.
For children with orthodontic appliances such as braces or fixed retainers, a floss threader is ideal for cleaning around the wires.
Cleanings
Even with all the exceptional cleaning done at home and in between visits, it is essential that your child receives cleanings from our team every six months. The cleaning will involve removing all plaque and tartar from your child’s teeth to ensure that there isn’t anything lingering in their mouth that could harm their tooth enamel. During these checkups, we will also take a look at both the teeth and gums with our high-tech tools and instruments to ensure there are no signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues.
Benefits
The benefits of a good cleaning can not be overstated; by removing any plaque and tartar buildup, we can keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Not only does that mean your child’s mouth stays healthy, but it also ensures that their smile will look great! Our cleanings can also give us the opportunity to identify any potential early warning signs before an issue becomes severe. Additional benefits include:
- Improved breath
- Strengthened teeth due to plaque removal
- A brighter, whiter smile
- Better overall health due to proper dental care
- Improved confidence in their smiles
Sealants
It is important to protect the hard-to-reach areas of your child’s mouth. Sealants are a great way to do this, and we are proud to offer them here at Children’s Dentistry of Coral Springs.
Sealants are thin, protective plastic coatings that are applied to the surface of the back teeth and form a strong shield against plaque and bacteria. Sealants are most often recommended for children who are first learning how to brush properly, as this is when their molars are most vulnerable to cavities. The process of applying sealants is quick and easy; we simply brush a thin layer of sealant material onto the tooth’s surface and harden it with a special light, creating a protective barrier.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel—therefore preventing cavities. While many oral care materials you can find in stores or online contain fluoride, we can provide your child with a professional strength formula during their checkups. Our in-office treatments are more concentrated than the fluoride you can find in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other products. This allows us to provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.
Fluoride treatments are applied directly to the teeth with a brush, swab, or tray in the office. The application is quick, easy, and painless, and can help your child keep their teeth strong and healthy. This treatment is recommended for children who are prone to cavities or have weaker tooth enamel.
