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Expert Dental Care
A report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information revealed that approximately one-third of all hospital day surgeries performed on children ages 1 to 4 were for treating early childhood caries (severe decay in the teeth children under six years of age). Early oral health care is so critical for your child’s overall well-being. These complications that arise from caries can result in infections and pain, which can in turn negatively impact your child’s communication, self-esteem, and social growth.
Our goal is the practice preventative oral care by evaluating and preserving the health of your child’s teeth.
Some Tips & Checks
We recommend bringing your child in once every six months for a check-up. With regular check-ups, we will be able to:
- Monitor tooth and jaw development
- Examine teeth for signs of abnormality or decay
- Provide dental sealant as the molars erupt (between the ages of two or three) to help fight tooth decay
- Provide topical fluoride treatment
- Demonstrate effective flossing and brushing techniques for your child
- Establish a fun and positive dental experience for your child to prevent dental anxiety in the future
There are many aspects to helping your child develop healthy dental habits. It all starts at the home, with parents encouraging and educating their child. Here are a few tips to make oral care fun and effective at home:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes. Make games, sing songs, or provide fun toothbrushes or toothpaste so that your child will look forward to oral care times with you.
- Floss twice a day. You may need to help your child floss until they are old enough to do it themselves. As they get older, try giving them a floss stick. These are easier to handle for children.
- Offer a well-balanced diet. Veggies, dairy, nuts and grains provide the right nutrients for good oral health. Sugary snacks should be limited. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends limiting sugary drinks to 4oz a day.
Oral fluoride is sometimes a source of confusion for parents. The purpose of fluoride is to prevent mineral loss, and to promote the remineralization of tooth enamel. Here in Chilliwack, we don’t have fluoride in our municipal water. The CDA supports appropriate uses of fluoride in dental maintenance, such as toothpaste containing fluoride. It is important, however, not to use too much: too much fluoride can result in fluorosis, a condition where white specks appear on the permanent teeth. Using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for brushing your child’s teeth should not cause fluorosis. If you have any questions about fluoride treatment, or fluoride in toothpaste, Dr. Dhesi will be happy to answer any of your concerns.
If you have questions or concerns about how to care for your child’s teeth, we would be happy to hear from you! Contact us at Summit View Dental Centre today.
