Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry

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Taking Care of Your Teeth at Home

At Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to help kids throughout Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas develop beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime by offering quality, comprehensive pediatric dental care. But in addition to the care we offer in our office, your child’s at-home oral hygiene routine is critical to the long-term health of their smile. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to take great care of your child’s teeth at home!

Kids smiling and holding toothbrushes

At-Home Oral Hygiene Tips for Kids

Taking good care of your child’s teeth at home is paramount to a healthy smile. But how should a parent go about it? As your dedicated Charlotte kids dentist, we wanted to offer a few tips on fostering healthy teeth at home:

  • Brush & Floss: At a minimum, your child should brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. For kids younger than three, use an amount of fluoridated toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, then graduate to a pea-sized amount after age three.

  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Many parents don’t realize this, but your child’s diet also has a major impact on their dental health. Help your child maintain a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, as this helps support healthy dental enamel and prevent cavities.

  • Ask About Sealants: Dental sealants are a treatment that involves coating the rear molars in a plastic composite material. This effectively “seals” them away from bacteria, preventing cavities in these areas. The chewing surfaces of the molars are nearly impossible to clean with a toothbrush, which is why sealants are recommended for many children.

  • Let Them Choose a Toothbrush: Ultimately, you want your child to take an active role in their dental health. One great way to encourage that is by letting them pick out their favorite toothbrush. Giving them a choice in the matter helps increase their personal investment in oral hygiene, which can help lay the groundwork for years of healthy habits and beautiful smiles.

Contact Your Charlotte Kids Dentist

We hope these tips make it easier to maintain strong oral hygiene habits, and as always, we’re here to help if you have questions. Contact us today with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment for your child. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful, long-lasting smile!