At Amor Kids Dentistry, we believe that children should be taught about oral hygiene, including proper at-home dental care and regular dental visits, at an early age so they can develop good habits that will contribute to their dental and overall health for the rest of their life.

There are many ways to keep cavities away depending on age as follows:

School-age children and adolescents

Continue to assist your child with brushing and flossing as needed. Children should brush their teeth twice a day with supervision until the age of 10 – 11 years. Regular dental checkups will help you know whether your child is brushing their teeth properly. Consider using dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent food debris and bacteria from building up and causing cavities.

For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

Depending on the state of your child’s teeth, Dr. Heivi Kim may recommend that you use fluoridated toothpaste before your child is 2 years old. If not, standard baby-teeth care requires that you use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste at the age of 2 years, and continue until the age of 6-7 years.

Parents should clean the baby’s gums after each feeding using a clean wet washcloth or gauze pad. As soon as the baby teeth begin to appear, brush them using a child-size toothbrush and plain water. Only use toothbrushes that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance, since they have been approved by the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take your child to the dentist before the age of 1 year for tips on proper dental care for your child.

General tips

• When your child grows at least two adjacent teeth, you can start flossing.
• Avoid frequent snacking, especially on sugary items, including dried fruits, as they create a cavity-inducing oral environment.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and change it every 3 months
• Drink plenty of water to wash food debris from your mouth
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This includes consuming fresh, water-dense fruits to keep the mouth hydrated; eating nuts and cheeses to help remineralize your teeth; and limiting the intake of sugary and sticky foods like cookies, candies, and fruit leathers.
• It is important to floss at least once a day and brush twice a day

Lastly, it is important that your child maintains regular dental checkups, usually at six month intervals. These dental visits usually include professional cleaning and inspection of the mouth for looming dangers so he/she can start early intervention before they become worse. Please schedule your child’s first dental visit with Dr. Kim for a dental checkup and also to learn the best way to care for your kid’s teeth.