Children and Oral Hygiene

Studio City, California

Parents and guardians are the single-most important force in the lives of children when it comes to dental health. Just like virtually every other aspect of child rearing, children must be taught the importance of good oral hygiene habits. Learning these habits early and making them a regular part of a child's daily routine will set the stage for a healthy mouth in the future.

At Smiles by Sands, Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands, Studio City cosmetic dentists, also specialize in family dentistry to provide dental education and general dentistry procedures for all members of the family. Our goal is to help our patients become proactive in their dental care so they can keep their teeth healthy for life.

First Dentist Visit

At Smiles by Sands, we recommend that parents bring their children into the office for a first dental visit at age 3. If there appears to be a dental issue occurring prior to the child's third birthday, it is advisable to bring the child in for a check-up.

During that first visit, the dental hygienists and dentist will help introduce the child to the office, and if the child is mentally ready, a short dental examination may be done. At Smiles by Sands, we work hard to make sure our office is a fun, comfortable and non-threatening environment for children.

The American Dental Association recommends that people of all ages visit the dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning every six months, so we want our younger patients (as well as the adults) to look forward to these visits.

Tooth Brushing and Flossing for Children

Children should follow the same rules for brushing and flossing as adults. Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will help remove plaque and food particles and make it easier for a dental hygienist to perform a professional cleaning. To be most effective, these tasks must be done correctly. Adults should help children under age 6 properly brush and floss the teeth by:

Positioning the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the teeth and gum line
Moving the toothbrush gently across all surface areas of the teeth
Brushing the tongue to eliminate bacteria
Gently working floss between each set of teeth and on the back teeth to remove food particles and plaque
Taking the floss up toward the gum line and gently cradling each tooth at the "v" between the gum line and tooth

Children and Fluoride

Fluoride toothpaste is an important weapon in the fight against cavities by preventing tooth decay. However, a little goes a long way. Children under age 6 should only use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and be supervised while brushing to make sure that the toothpaste is not swallowed. If too much is swallowed when a child's tooth enamel is forming, dental fluorosis can occur leading to tooth staining or, in severe cases, pits in the teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are highly recommended to help prevent tooth decay on adult back teeth. These amazing, invisible sealants are made of plastic that make it virtually impossible for plaque to invade the hard-to-clean grooves of the back teeth. Dental sealants can typically be applied after a child turns 6 or 7 years of age.

If you are looking for a family dentist in the Studio City, California area who can provide dental care for your child, please contact us to discuss your family's needs during a free consultation.