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McKinney, Texas is not much different than anyplace else when it comes to the need for preventative dentistry for children.  Consider this: according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, “Students miss more than 51 million school hours per year because of dental problems or related conditions.”  It is doubtful any parent wants their child to miss school due to some dental problem that was easily preventable.  A McKinney pediatric dentist wants to everything possible to help prevent dental problems before a child misses any activities.

Treatment begins with infancy.  Pediatric dentists agree that prevention begins at home while the child is an infant.  The best pediatric dentists recommend wiping an infant’s gums after feeding, at least with a piece of gauze. This helps prevent initial plague build-up.  Parents should make sure their children are finished with their feeding and their mouth rinsed or cleaned before napping or sleeping.

Cavities can begin to form as soon as primary teeth begin to appear, so that is when brushing needs to start.  At first, parents will have to help their children brush to ensure all the surfaces are cleaned.  There are many approaches to handling the “I don’t wanna brush” argument.  Nonetheless, sooner or later children need to learn how to brush their own teeth and make it a healthy habit.  Seeing your pediatric dentist in McKinney will be a great source of advice in this regard.

First Visits.  The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends children visit pediatrics dentists by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.

Frequently the question of flossing will come up.  If teeth are touching each other, even “baby” teeth, then flossing should be introduced to the daily routine.   As children grow into teenagers, the lack of adequate flossing becomes the second most significant issue leading to dental problems.  Starting the flossing regimen early is an excellent idea.

As molars come in, it’s time to ask the McKinney pediatric dentist to apply sealant.  It’s at this time that molars are most vulnerable.  Fluoride is important, too.  During the formation of teeth, fluoride helps strengthen them against acid and bacteria that cause decay.  Actually, the use of fluoride ought to continue throughout the years.

As infants mature into children and children become teenagers and young adults, the single biggest cause of cavities is sodas and sport drinks.  Not only do they tend to have lots of sugars but are often consumed when the mouth is dry and most vulnerable.

The teen years are also when orthodontia is common.  Kids with braces need to see their dentist every three months (rather than six months as otherwise recommended) and be checked for halos that can form around the brackets attaching the braces to the teeth.

Preventative dental hygiene is a process that begins with infants and continues essentially for a lifetime.  When started properly most potential problems can be prevented or at least dealt with promptly.

Your McKinney pediatric dentist, Dr.Campbell can help.  If you have questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 972-347-4867.