Family Dentistry Chester, VA

Pediatric Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning begins as soon as a baby is born and continues for the rest of their life. So, starting early with good oral hygiene habits sets a child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

For babies, parents can wipe the gums with a soft, wet washcloth. As soon as they have their first teeth, start brushing with a soft-bristled brush with just a small, grain-sized bit of toothpaste. When your child reaches age 2-5, it’s ok to put a pea-sized amount of ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush, but make sure they are not swallowing the toothpaste. Having them spit before rinsing with water can help with this. Parents should brush a child’s teeth or supervise until they can do it properly themselves, usually around age 8.

Flossing is also an important part of good oral hygiene, even for kids. Flossing helps remove plaque between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t get to. If your child has two teeth together, then it’s time to start flossing. Be sure to help your child get into a daily routine of flossing. This will help set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Pediatric Sealants

The purpose of good oral hygiene is to remove bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities. Parents can remove bacteria from a baby’s mouth with a clean washcloth. Older children often need assistance as well, to make sure they are brushing thoroughly at least twice a day. Limiting sugary snacks can help prevent cavities too.

In some cases, we may recommend your child get protective sealants that are applied over the molars to prevent decay. The sealant is a protective coating that forms a barrier to food, plaque, and acid. It gets into the grooves of the premolars and molars (back teeth) where cavities are most likely to occur.

Pediatric Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride treatments have been shown to help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Pediatric fluoride treatments, used in conjunction with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, healthy eating, and regular dental exams, can help teeth more effectively resist cavities.

Fluoride treatments can be 2 to 4 times per year, but how often your child receives them depends on how prone they are to cavities. The procedure of putting fluoride on your child’s teeth is quick. We simply swipe the fluoride treatment onto the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush.

After fluoride treatment is applied, your child can eat and drink soft foods or drinks at room temperature. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before brushing or flossing the teeth.

Pediatric Exam & X-Rays

X-rays are a critical component for diagnosing and treating health conditions that can’t be detected during a clinical exam. With the help of an x-ray, your dentist can identify a cavity but also help diagnose bone disease, examine erupting teeth, assess the effect of an injury, and plan your child’s treatment.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends x-rays and exams every 6 months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, most pediatric dentists request x-rays once per year. X-rays are taken only when needed, as pediatric dentists are careful to minimize children’s exposure to radiation. Although the amount of radiation received in an x-ray is very small, your child will be protected with lead aprons and shields.