Parent's Corner

How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

Please visit www.ada.org/public/games/index.asp for interactive games and stories that make learning about oral hygiene fun.

Can you provide some tips for daily oral care for my child?

One of the most important oral health tips I can provide is to make sure your child brushes and flosses between his or her teeth every day. If your child is too young to brush and floss by himself, spend time helping him brush and floss . Use this time to explain the importance of proper oral hygiene.

Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants at least once a day at bedtime.

Ensure that older children brush their teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of the tooth brush should fit their mouth, allowing them to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect teeth from decay.

Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss removes plaque from between the teeth, areas where the toothbrush can't reach. Flossing is essential in preventing gum disease.

By taking care of your child’s teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, your child can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile his entire life. Follow these tips to you’re your child’s teeth and mouth clean:

Effective brushing
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums;
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes;
- Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth; and
- Brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Effective flossing
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers;
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums;
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth;
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions; and
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, including the back side of your last tooth.

Children who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use a flosser, which is available in most pharmacies.

Other questions or concerns?
If you have any question or concerns about your child's dental health, feel free to call our office or send an email to dr.nilfa@verizon.net. We are happy to answer your questions concerning diet, oral hygiene, etc. Thank you.

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