Preventive Dental Care in Bowie, MD
Ultimately, we want to help your child avoid dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, bad oral habits, and dental injuries. Teaching parents, caregivers, and our patients how to practice good prevention at home is part of our job – that is also why it is our mission to create healthy habits that last a lifetime!
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the National Children’s Oral Health Survey, approximately 8.6 million kids aged six to twelve have missed school because of oral health issues! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also states that over 51 million hours of school are skipped every year due to tooth troubles. Routine dental visits might just save you a few unexpected “skip days” for your kiddo!
Preventive Dentistry for Babies and Toddlers
Bring your baby in for a first dental appointment by their first birthday. At this appointment, our children’s dentist will inspect the baby’s mouth for proper dental development and good oral health. Please ask our dentist any questions you have about taking great care of your baby’s mouth at home and between visits.
Before a tooth emerges, wipe your baby’s mouth with a soft, moist terry cloth wash rag after feedings. Also, keep an eye out for thrush, an oral yeast infection common in infants. Thrush appears as white or red splotches on soft oral tissues, like the tongue and interior of the cheeks. The infection usually goes away on its own within a few days of appearing. In some cases, the infection persists and causes discomfort, particularly during feeding.
TIP: Never put your baby to bed with a bottle, unless it contains only water. Babies and toddlers who fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice may develop a painful condition called baby bottle tooth decay.
Once your child’s first tooth fully erupts, begin brushing it with a baby toothbrush and non-fluoridated toothpaste twice a day. When two teeth develop next to one another, you can add daily flossing. A pre-threaded flosser makes the job easier!
By age three, many children have all 20 baby teeth. Once your little one spits out toothpaste, instead of swallowing it, you can begin using fluoridated toothpaste. Continue brushing twice and flossing once a day.
Prevention for Children
Children should visit us twice a year for a checkup. Around age four or five, when children can sit still and endure a dental cleaning, we’ll begin scheduling twice-a-year cleanings along with checkups. Our dentists and hygienists will answer all your questions about prevention and home care, and if any abnormalities are found during your child’s checkup, we’ll suggest treatment options.
At home, your children should brush for two full minutes in the morning and evening. Additionally, flossing before bedtime brushing helps reduce the potential for cavities and gum disease. Be sure to purchase an age-appropriate toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste in your child’s favorite flavor. Children’s mouthwash is optional but will further reduce bad bacteria in the mouth.
We also offer these preventive services and products for prevention of dental disease and injury:
- Fluoride supplements
- Dental sealants
- Mouthguards for sports
Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy for Life
Prevention of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues depends upon both professional dental care and consistent, effective oral home hygiene habits. Our dentist and hygienists partner with caregivers, sharing tips and tools to help make daily dental hygiene easy and fun. Contact our office in Bowie today to schedule your child’s preventive care appointment!
