To a parent, there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing your child smile. At a young age, the appearance of your child’s smile is often more about the way it lights up the room and less about perfect alignment and whiteness. However, keeping your child’s mouth healthy is a critical job for parents.

Parents often wonder if they need a specialized pediatric dentistry practice or if they’re better served with a family dentist they already know and trust. Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley of 32 Dental in Marietta, GA, have been working with adults and their children for many years. Because they get to know their patients, they develop a comfortable and trusted relationship with the entire family. Here, Dr. Vo and Breckley offer tips for keeping your child’s dental health in top shape:

• Start young. Even before the first tooth breaks through the gums, parents should be thinking about dental health. The 32 Dental team recommends that parents wipe the gums with a soft cloth after a bottle or feeding, even before the child cuts his first tooth. Once a tooth erupts, parents can use a soft brush to remove food particles and bacteria.
• Make brushing fun. Dr. Vo and Breckley recommend using a fun timer or singing a song so children learn that brushing shouldn’t be a fast activity. Let them pick out the toothbrush or paste at the store. Also, be sure to be a good example and let your child see you brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Stay involved. It can be challenging for most kids to reach the back teeth or brush their teeth as completely as is necessary. Therefore, it’s important that a parent oversee the process. As the child gets older you can let him or her try it first, but then be sure to check the work and repeat it if necessary.
• Regular checkups are important. Visiting the dentist is as important for children as it is for adults. Not only does it provide an opportunity for the dentist to examine your child’s teeth, it also allows your child to begin to feel more relaxed in the dentist’s office.
• Think about nutrition. Parents know that foods high in sugar aren’t good for their child’s health, but they may not realize that it can also damage the teeth. Furthermore, many foods that seem like good options are packed full of sugar. Consider water rather than fruit juice and crunchy vegetables instead of candy bars or lollipops.

For more information, or to schedule a checkup appointment with one of our trusted dentists, call the 32 Dental office today.