Back-to-school season is upon us, and parents everywhere are busy preparing their children for a successful academic year. Amidst the hustle of buying school supplies and new clothes, it's crucial not to overlook an essential aspect of your child's daily routine—dental hygiene.

 

Ensuring your child has the right dental products in their backpack can play a significant role in maintaining oral health throughout the school day.

The Importance of Regular Dental Care

Good dental hygiene is foundational to your child's overall health and well-being. Regular brushing and flossing help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath while promoting strong tooth enamel and healthy gums. Establishing these habits early on sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.

Essential Dental Products for Your Child's Backpack

Toothbrush

A toothbrush is the most basic yet vital tool for maintaining oral hygiene. Here are some tips for selecting the right toothbrush for your child:

• Age-Appropriate Design: Choose a toothbrush with a smaller head and softer bristles for younger children. Electric toothbrushes can also be a fun and effective option.
• Comfortable Grip: Ensure the toothbrush has a handle your child can comfortably hold and maneuver.
• Bristle Type: Soft bristles are recommended for all ages to prevent damage to the gums and enamel.

Product Recommendation:

• Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush - This toothbrush is designed for children with small heads and soft bristles. It's fun designs and built-in timer make brushing more enjoyable.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste is essential for preventing cavities and strengthening tooth enamel. When choosing a toothpaste:

• Fluoride Content: Look for toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it helps to remineralize enamel and prevent decay.
• Flavor: Children are more likely to use toothpaste they enjoy, so choose flavors they like.
• Age-Appropriate Formulas: For younger children, choose a toothpaste designed for kids. These toothpastes usually contain a lower level of fluoride and are safer if swallowed.

Product Recommendation:

• Colgate Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste - This toothpaste offers effective cavity protection with fluoride while featuring kid-friendly flavors.

Floss Picks

Flossing is equally important as brushing for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth. Floss picks can make this task easier for children:

• Ease of Use: Floss picks are easier for children to use compared to traditional floss.
• Child-Friendly Sizes: Choose floss picks that are typically smaller and more comfortable for children.

Product Recommendation:

• DenTek Kids Fun Flossers - These floss picks come in fun colors and flavors, making flossing a more enjoyable experience for children.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene at School

Ensuring your child practices good oral hygiene at school can be challenging, but these tips can help:

• Brush After Lunch: Encourage your child to brush their teeth after lunch. Packing a portable toothbrush and toothpaste in their backpack makes this easier.
• Drink Water: Sugary drinks can lead to cavities. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day to rinse away food particles and sugars.
• Healthy Snacks: Pack healthy snacks low in sugar and high in nutrients to promote overall health and oral hygiene.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Oral Care

What's the best way to teach my child to brush correctly?

Use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to ensure they brush for at least two minutes. Demonstrate proper brushing techniques and supervise them until they can do it effectively.

Is fluoride safe for children?

When used as directed, fluoride is safe and beneficial for children's dental health. It helps prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.

Call Kids and Teens Dental Place

Ready to ensure your child's smile stays bright and healthy all school year? Contact Kids and Teens Dental Place at one of our convenient Houston-area locations for more expert tips, personalized advice, and dental product recommendations. Schedule an appointment today to keep your child's dental health on track.

Toothpaste that is marketed for children is designed to meet their specific dental hygiene needs. The same is true for adult toothpaste. There are some differences between children’s and adult’s toothpaste, such as the flavor and the amount of fluoride. With this in mind, when should kids switch to adult toothpaste? Here’s what pediatric dentists recommend. 

Similarities Between Children’s and Adult’s Toothpaste 

When it comes to toothpaste for adults and children, there are plenty of similarities: 

• Both contain fluoride
• Both have an abrasive texture to remove plaque
• The active and inactive ingredients are similar in most brands

Differences Between Children’s and Adult’s Toothpaste 

There are some differences between them as well: 

• Some adult toothpastes contain a higher concentration of fluoride than children’s
• Adult toothpaste is often flavored with mint, but children’s toothpaste comes in different kid-friendly flavors such as fruit and bubblegum. 
• Toothpaste for adults tends to be more abrasive than toothpaste for children

When To Switch To Adult Toothpaste 

There are a few factors to consider when deciding on the right age to have your children switch to adult toothpaste: 

• Can your child spit out the toothpaste properly without swallowing? This is important, because swallowing too much fluoride can cause digestive issues and fluorosis, a condition that affects the appearance of the teeth.
• Is your child picky about taste? Mint-flavored toothpaste can be too strong for some children and may result in a negative association with brushing. 
• Is your child around the age of 6 or 7? This is a common age range when children are ready to tolerate adult toothpaste and may have at least one permanent tooth in place. 

 

Is it a Problem if My Child Prefers Children’s Toothpaste? 

There is not necessarily anything wrong with your child continuing to use children’s toothpaste. Compare the ingredients, especially the amount of fluoride their toothpaste contains, and as long as it is similar there is no real reason to switch. Teenagers and adults are more appreciative of the breath freshening qualities of mint-flavored toothpaste. But even some adults prefer the milder flavor of children’s toothpaste. 

How Much Toothpaste to Use by Age 

Another important factor in using toothpaste is getting the right amount on the brush. Here’s how much toothpaste to apply according to the age of your child:

• Infants: Apply a tiny amount of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. 
• Toddlers: Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the brush. 
• Preschoolers: As long as your child can successfully spit out the toothpaste, apply a thin strip across the brush head. 
• School age: Apply toothpaste according to preference. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene

How often should children brush their teeth?

Children should brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It is best if your child avoids eating after brushing their teeth at night so that they go to bed with clean teeth. 

When should you start brushing your baby’s teeth?

Starting at birth, you should clean your baby’s gums before any teeth have erupted. Once there are visible teeth, begin brushing them with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. 

 

Learn More From Kids and Teens Dental Place

If you would like more information about dental hygiene for your child, Kids and Teens Dental Place provides education for children and parents. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Most children will need some type of orthodontic treatment before reaching adulthood. As the baby teeth are shed and the permanent teeth take their place, chances are they won’t come in perfectly straight. Proper tooth alignment is important for oral health, making the teeth easier to keep clean and preventing premature wear and damage. 

Does your child need braces? What’s the best age for kids to get braces? Here’s when you need to start thinking about orthodontics. 

Orthodontic Monitoring at the Dentist 

As your child goes in for regular teeth cleanings and oral evaluations, your pediatric dentist will monitor their orthodontic development. If there is a reason for early treatment, called interceptive orthodontics, your child’s dentist may recommend that you see an orthodontist for an evaluation. Early orthodontic treatment may involve oral appliances such as palate expanders or habit appliances to stop thumb sucking. 

First Orthodontic Evaluation: Age 7 

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an official orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This should be performed by a qualified orthodontist who can conduct a thorough assessment of the position of the teeth and the shape of the jaw. It is rare for an orthodontist to recommend braces at this age. Most children will not need treatment until they are in adolescence. 

Average Age for Braces 

The average age for braces is typically somewhere between 10 and 14. This may range anywhere from later elementary school to early highschool, but most commonly during the middle school years. 

Benefits of Braces During Adolescence

• Tooth shedding is complete. By the age of 10-14 the majority of the baby teeth have been shed and most of the permanent teeth are in place. 
• Growth spurts. The adolescent years are also a time for significant growth spurts, during which the jaw bone is more pliable and the teeth shift more easily. 
• Finish treatment before high school. Many teens would prefer to have their braces removed before high school when they have more responsibilities and may begin dating. 
• Shorter treatment. Braces treatment during adolescence can typically be completed in less time than in adulthood. 
• Insurance. Most dental insurance plans only cover orthodontic treatment up to age 18. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces 

Are braces the only orthodontic treatment option for kids?

There are alternatives to braces such as clear aligner therapy, but the best treatment for your child will depend on their individual needs. 

How long does braces treatment take? 

Braces treatment may last anywhere from 1-3 years, but most children will have braces for an average of about 2 years. Children who had early orthodontic treatment before braces may have a shorter time in braces. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you think your child may need braces, schedule an oral evaluation with Kids and Teens Dental Place. As a pediatric dental practice we can assess the current position of your child’s teeth and jaws and make a recommendation for further assessment by an orthodontist if necessary. We monitor our patients’ teeth for orthodontic needs beginning at their first appointment and continuing into adolescence. 

 

Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Flossing is an important part of an effective oral hygiene routine. It removes plaque from the spaces between the teeth, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Most adults know they should be flossing, but when should kids start? Learn about what age your children need to start flossing and how to make it a regular part of their dental care regime. 

Signs it's Time For Your Child To Start Flossing 

• The teeth are close together. Once your child’s teeth are closer together, enough that the toothbrush can’t get between them, it is time to start flossing. 
• The teeth are touching. You should begin flossing between any teeth that are touching. There is a higher risk of plaque buildup between the teeth once they are close enough together. 
• Your child is between the ages of 2 and 3. Usually by the age of 2 or 3 your child’s teeth will be close enough together that flossing is necessary. 
• Food gets caught between the teeth. If your child complains of food stuck between their teeth, this means the teeth are close enough together for flossing. 

Types of Floss for Children 

• String floss. Soft string floss is easy to use on children’s teeth. It comes in waxed or unwaxed versions. 
• Dental tape. Dental tape is flat, ribbon-like floss that may be more effective when there are wider spaces between the teeth. 
• Superfloss. Superfloss is spongy and wider with a reinforced end to make it easier to handle. 
• Flossers. Flossers are made of plastic with a u-shaped head. A piece of floss is suspended across the prongs and the handle can be used to guide it between the teeth. This is often the easiest type of floss for young children. 

Flossing Your Child’s Teeth

In the early years you will need to help your child floss their teeth or do it for them. It is difficult for young children to floss properly, even when using plastic flossers. As they grow and learn they may reach a point where they are capable of flossing effectively without help. 

Tips For Teaching Kids How To Floss 

1. Help your child tear off a piece of floss that is around 18 inches long. Use the bathroom counter or some other space in the bathroom to use as a guide, such as the width of the sink. Most bathroom sinks are between 16 and 20 inches wide. 
2. Show them how to wrap it around both middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches between them. 
3. Demonstrate how to use the index fingers to guide the floss in the space between each tooth, wrapping slightly around the sides. 
4. Explain why it is important to use a clean part of the floss between each tooth. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing 

When Can My Child Floss Independently? 

Around the age of 8-10 children may be able to floss independently. It is important that you check on them occasionally to ensure they are using proper technique and that they are remembering to floss every day. 

How often should children floss their teeth?

We recommend flossing once a day for both children and adults. This way plaque is effectively removed while avoiding irritation of the gum tissue. 

 

Learn More About Flossing From Kids and Teens Dental Place

If you need additional information or assistance with flossing, contact Kids and Teens Dental Place. Our goal is to help your children achieve optimal oral health through effective dental hygiene skills.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), children should visit the dentist for the first time by the age of one or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, whichever comes first. This may seem early, but regular dental checkups from an early age are important for several reasons:

Early detection of dental problems: Regular checkups allow the dentist to identify any dental issues early on, such as tooth decay or misaligned teeth, before they become more serious and require more extensive treatment.

Benefits of Early Detection

Early dental visits can provide a range of benefits for children, including:

• Early detection and prevention of dental problems: Regular dental checkups from an early age allow the dentist to identify and address any dental issues early on, before they become more serious and require more extensive treatment. This can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
• Establishing good oral hygiene habits: Visiting the dentist early on can help to establish good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, that can prevent dental problems in the future. Children can learn proper brushing and flossing techniques from the dentist and get guidance on how to maintain good oral health at home.
• Building a positive relationship with the dentist: Early dental visits can help to build a positive relationship between the child and the dentist, making future dental visits less stressful and more comfortable.
• Monitoring growth and development: Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to monitor the child's growth and development, including the eruption of new teeth and the development of the jaw and bite. This can help to identify any issues early on and allow for timely intervention if needed.
• Education and guidance for parents: Early dental visits allow parents to ask questions about their child's oral health and receive guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home. This can help parents to better understand their child's oral health needs and take steps to prevent dental problems in the future.

In addition to regular checkups, it's important to encourage good oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and limiting sugary foods and drinks in your child's diet. By taking these steps, you can help ensure your child develops a healthy and happy smile that will last a lifetime.

What to Expect From Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The first dental visit can be a new and unfamiliar experience for both children and parents. Here's what you can expect during your child's first dental visit:

• Introduction: The dentist or dental hygienist will introduce themselves to you and your child and explain what will happen during the visit.
• Examination: The dentist will examine your child's teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any dental issues or abnormalities.
• Cleaning: The dentist or dental hygienist will clean your child's teeth, removing any plaque or debris.
• X-rays: Depending on your child's age and dental needs, the dentist may recommend taking X-rays to get a better look at the teeth and jawbone.
• Education: The dentist or dental hygienist will provide education and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, and answer any questions you may have.
• Fluoride treatment: The dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your child's teeth.
• Future appointments: The dentist will schedule future appointments for regular checkups and cleanings, as well as any necessary treatments.

It's important to prepare your child for their first dental visit by explaining what will happen and reassuring them that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy and strong. You can also bring comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to help your child feel more at ease during the visit. By making the first dental visit a positive experience, you can help to establish good oral hygiene habits and build a lifelong foundation for good oral health.

Pediatric Dental Services in Pearland, TX

At Kids & Teens Dental Place, we know that taking your kid to the dentist is a tough decision. You want someone who is experienced in their practice but also knows how to focus on children and teens through specific care to help maintain and restore their dental health.

Early dental care is the foundation of a lifetime of dental health. To schedule an appointment for your child, contact us today at 713-413-8282.