Advanced Cosmetic and General Dentistry Blog

It is not always easy to get children to brush their teeth, and flossing can seem like a lost cause. On the flip side, some children are too enthusiastic about brushing their teeth, tending to use huge amounts of toothpaste and brushing their teeth as vigorously as possible.

Even though enforcing good dental hygiene habits in children can be challenging, it is incredibly important to instill these habits at an early age so you can set a good foundation for them in their adult years. The dentists and dental hygienists at Smiles by Sands are dedicated to helping our younger patients and their parents get the education and training necessary to practice good oral hygiene every day.

There are many steps parents can take to help keep their children's teeth as healthy as possible, including:

• Gently brushing properly two times a day
• Gently flossing or using another type of interdental cleaner one time a day
• Using a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Supervising tooth brushing in children under age 6
• Ensuring that children do not swallow fluoride toothpaste
• Taking children age 3 and older for dental visits every 6 months
• Limiting the amount of juice and sugary snacks in children's diets
• Providing children with healthy meals and snacks
• Talking to a dentist about dental sealants for children's back teeth

Try to make teeth brushing a fun activity for the whole family, rather than a dreaded one. We can help you think of games or special incentives to encourage participation in these activities every day.

We take dental health for children very seriously at Smiles by Sands. If you live in Studio City, California and would like to meet our staff at a private consultation, please contact our office today.