Dr. Matthew McNutt, Dr. Narineh Panoosian, and Dr. Dan Howell have plenty of tips for parents who want to protect their children’s health. Southern Smiles has locations in Cary and Clayton. We can take care of all your pediatric dentistry and orthodontic needs. If you’re a parent needing to know some expert tips on how to take better care of your children’s dental health at home, we can help!
Establishing a Daily Dental Routine
First things first. Everything else about your kids’ dental health is secondary if you don’t have your daily dental routine on lock. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind.
Brushing: The First Line of Defense
Kickstart your kids’ day with a good brushing. It sets the tone for a cavity-free smile. Teach them to brush twice a day, morning and night. Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make it fun by picking out a funky toothbrush and singing along to a two-minute brushing song.
Flossing: The Secret Weapon
Flossing might seem like a chore. But floss is the brush’s tag team partner. It’s a pro at handling food that gets stuck where brushes can’t reach. Begin as soon as your child has two teeth that touch. You can use floss picks or holders to make it easier for little hands. Try turning it into a game—maybe the floss is a superhero called the Cavity Crusher!
Regular Mouthwash Use: The Final Rinse
For kids over six, rinse with a child-safe mouthwash. It can zap any leftover germs and strengthen their enamel. Look for alcohol-free varieties that are kind to little mouths. Make sure they swish and spit, too (it’s the only time you’ll ask them to spit, we promise!).
Diet and Nutrition: Fueling Up with Smile-Friendly Foods
Steering clear of sugary snacks and sips is a big win. Sugars are like fuel for the bad bacteria in your kids’ mouths. Too much sugar (as you know) can lead to cavities. Instead, water is the MVP here—it washes away food particles and keeps the mouth less friendly to germs.
Now, not all snacks are villains! Cheese and yogurt are great! They’re loaded with calcium and phosphates that strengthen kids’ teeth. Plus, they help balance the mouth’s pH, which knocks out cavity-causing acids. Crunchy veggies like carrots and celery are healthy, and they act like natural toothbrushes that scrub away at plaque as your child chews.
Regular Visits: A Winning Strategy
Part of your child’s dental health victory means keeping regular appointments at Southern Smiles.
First Check-up: Off to a Great Start
When should your little one first sit in the dental chair? Right around their first birthday is a slam dunk. Or roughly six months after they get their first tooth. Early visits to a dentist and orthodontist set the stage for healthy teeth and proper jaw development.
Routine Check-ups: Keeping on Track
Mark your calendar! Seeing your Southern Smiles team every six months is like a regular tune-up for your child’s smile. These visits are key—for a thorough cleaning and catching any sneaky issues early.
Dealing with Dental Anxiety: Making Visits a Breeze
We don’t want kids feeling intimidated in our Southern Smiles offices. Here are a few things parents can do to help ease kids’ concerns.
Prep Talk: Setting the Stage
Dental visits can seem like a big deal to kids (and adults, too!). A bit of prep can turn nerves into excitement. Start with a simple conversation about what to expect. Explain that the dentist and orthodontist are friends who help keep their teeth super strong and healthy. Maybe even role-play a dental visit at home, taking turns being the dentist or orthodontist.
Choosing the Right Team: Your Child’s Cheer Squad
Finding a dental practice that’s as friendly as our team at Southern Smiles can make all the difference. Look for a team that loves working with kids and knows how to make each visit fun. A practice that uses simple, playful explanations and has a kid-friendly office is a big plus!
Celebrate Courage: Little Victories Matter
After every visit, make a big deal about how brave they were. A small reward, like a sticker or a new toothbrush, could be waiting in the car. Celebrating these victories helps build positive associations with dental care.
Role Modeling
Kids are like sponges—they soak up everything around them, especially when it comes to copying what their parents do. If you brush and floss regularly and make it look like the most natural part of your day, chances are, they’ll want to mirror that. Make dental hygiene a family affair. Schedule times when everyone brushes together. Want to try music? You can crank up a catchy tune and have a two-minute brush-off challenge! It’s a great way to show them that taking care of their teeth is both important and fun.
Don’t forget to talk about your own visits, too. Share a little about your check-ups or how you chose your own toothpaste. It might not seem like a big deal. But it makes you a real-life example of how grown-ups manage their dental health. Plus, talking about it can make the idea of visiting the dentist or orthodontist more familiar and less scary for them.
Give Them A Hand
Applaud your kids’ efforts. When they do a great job brushing, or finish a visit to our office, make sure they know you noticed. A high five, a proud hug, or an encouraging word goes a long way. Show them that good dental habits are worth the effort, and they’ll likely keep up the good work as they grow.
Care For Kids Dental Health at Southern Smiles
At Southern Smiles, Dr. Matthew McNutt, Dr. Narineh Panoosian, and Dr. Dan Howell want the best for your kids’ smiles. Stop by our offices in Cary or Clayton to learn more. Visit us here to schedule your free consultation.