Summer is a great season to spend time enjoying the great outdoors as a family. Chances are you have already taken your kids swimming, to local museums, and maybe even for picnics in the park. Whatever activities you’ve chosen to fill your days, you’re probably taking great care to protect your kids’ health. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, and avoiding peak sun hours are all great steps to protecting their skin. But what you have you done to protect their smiles? Summer is the perfect time to schedule a professional checkup and cleaning.
Are Checkups Necessary for Young Children?
Even if your children still have their “baby teeth,” regular dental visits are vital to their oral health. The habits and care they show their teeth now, can have long-lasting impact on their oral health, and twice-annual dental visits can be hugely beneficial.
First, these visits can allow us to watch for potential problems, from cavities or chips in the teeth, to alignment issues that may require orthodontic treatment. This can help you take a proactive approach to caring for their smiles.
Removing tartar buildup during regular professional cleanings is also crucial, since tartar cannot be removed through brushing and flossing alone. Plaque is the most common cause of periodontal disease, or gum disease, as it is commonly called. While gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can usually be effectively treated, it becomes harder to treat periodontal problems the further the disease has progressed. This is another reason even young children need to take good care of their teeth.
What Can You Do At Home To Help Care for Their Teeth?
Summer is also a great time to remind your kids why oral hygiene is so important to the health of their smiles! Twice daily brushing and nightly flossing should be habits they develop as soon as they are able to brush efficiently. Beginning by brushing as a family can help them learn proper technique, and can help you make sure they’re brushing for an adequate length of time. Encouraging them to drink plenty of water can also help during the day, both to keep them hydrated and to wash food particles from their teeth. Lastly, limiting sugar can be extremely beneficial to their smiles. So be thoughtful bout what your kids are eating, and make sure they understand that sugary foods should be reserved for special treats.
ABOUT YOUR TUCSON, AZ, GENERAL DENTIST
Dirk A. Newman, DDS, offers a full range of modern dental care services, including general dentistry, smile enhancement, smile restoration, and implant dentistry. To learn more, contact us today to schedule a visit by calling our office at 520-296-5439. Located in Tucson, AZ, we proudly serve patients from Tucson and all surrounding communities.