When it comes to oral health, establishing healthy habits early is essential for a lifetime of good dental care. As a parent, you’ll be the best person to encourage your child about proper brushing and flossing, scheduling regular dental checkups, and catching any concerns early on. At The Foleck Center, we offer specialized pediatric dentistry to help children develop these essential habits in a fun and comfortable environment. With four locations spread across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum, we are here to make dental care accessible to families like yours.
Let’s review why pediatric dentistry is so important, how you can start healthy oral habits, and how The Foleck Center’s approach makes dental care a positive experience.
Why Pediatric Dentistry Matters
Just like adults, kids need proper oral care to make sure that their teeth and gums stay healthy. Pediatric dentistry is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children, starting from infancy through adolescence. It involves regular checkups, preventive care, and addressing concerns and questions in a child-friendly way. Reinforcing healthy habits at a young age can go a long way to preventing cavities, gum disease, and more serious oral health problems later in life.
The Early Years: Starting Good Habits From the Start
Pediatric dental visits should begin as early as a child’s first tooth emerges, or by their first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see a dentist by the age of one to begin monitoring their oral development. These visits educate parents on the best ways to care for their children’s teeth, identify any potential signs of decay, and provide instruction on proper brushing techniques. A child’s first visit is often short and noninvasive, making it a positive experience that sets the tone for future appointments.
Building a Relationship With the Dental Team
Starting visits early also allows your child to build a relationship with their dentist and the rest of the dental team. This is important for making your child feel comfortable, safe, and less anxious about caring for their teeth. Regular pediatric dental visits also let us monitor the growth of your child’s teeth and gums, as well as evaluate any concerns like crowding, bite problems, or developmental delays.
At The Foleck Center, we want children and families to feel welcome and relaxed during their visits. We use gentle techniques to engage with children so that they feel comfortable while they’re under our care.
Key Habits to Start Early
Early habits have a big impact on long-term oral health. We highly recommend encouraging the following behaviors.
1. Brushing and Flossing
The foundation of any healthy smile begins with good brushing habits. It’s important to start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth arrives. You can use a soft infant toothbrush with just water to start; then, as they grow, introduce fluoride toothpaste. By the age of two, your child can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
As they get older, they’ll need to learn how to brush on their own. Be sure to guide them through this process until they’re able to do it effectively, usually by the age of 7 or 8. Once they’re brushing independently, it’s still a good idea to check in on them periodically to see if they’re brushing for a full two minutes, twice a day.
As for flossing, that should begin as soon as your child’s teeth begin to touch, as this is important for removing food particles and plaque between those teeth that brushing alone is unable to do.
2. Healthy Diet Choices
Diet plays a significant role in your child’s oral health. When possible, limit sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar feeds the bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. Some options include apple slices, carrots, and cheese. Water is also an excellent choice, especially after meals, as it helps rinse away food particles and neutralizes acids in the mouth. Fluoridated water can help strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to cavities.
3. Avoiding Harmful Habits
Some habits, such as thumb-sucking or using a pacifier beyond infancy, can negatively affect your child’s teeth and oral development. Encourage your child to stop these habits by the age of 3 or 4. Otherwise, they can affect teeth alignment and lead to bite issues that may require orthodontic treatment.
If your child participates in sports, make sure that they wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth from injury.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Preventive care is an essential component of pediatric dentistry. By bringing your child in for routine checkups, your dentist can monitor their teeth and gums for signs of problems before they become serious. Regular exams and cleanings are a great way to catch cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues as they begin to form.
Dental Cleanings and Exams
Children should visit the dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. During these visits, the dentist will check for any signs of cavities, assess the health of your child’s gums, and make sure their teeth are developing properly. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. This routine visit is also an opportunity to discuss brushing and flossing techniques, as well as any concerns or questions you may have.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments can be beneficial for children, as fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and resist decay. Your child’s dentist may recommend fluoride treatments during their regular checkups, depending on their risk for cavities. This is simple and painless, provides added protection, and is especially important for children who either have a history of cavities or less-than-optimal oral hygiene.
Sealants for Protection
Dental sealants are thin coatings that are applied to the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to form. Sealants are highly effective in preventing decay and are often recommended for children, especially those who are prone to cavities. Sealants are easy to apply and offer a protective barrier that can last for several years to keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Why Choose The Foleck Center for Pediatric Dentistry?
At The Foleck Center, we understand that good dental habits take time to establish, and that they’re best learned at an early age. Our pediatric dental services are designed to make your child’s experience positive, educational, and fun. We pride ourselves on offering gentle, comprehensive care tailored for children of all ages, from their very first teeth through their teenage years.
Our teams in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum are ready to answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health, and provide expert guidance on maintaining a bright, healthy smile.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment Today!
Start your child’s journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles with pediatric dentistry at The Foleck Center. Schedule online or call us at 800-800-8000!
