- What is Preventive Dental Care?
- How Nutrition Affects Oral Health
- How Should My Child Brush Their Teeth?
- Is My Child's Thumb-Sucking Normal?
- What Do I Need to Know About Fillings?
- Thrive Pediatric Dentistry Reviews
- How Does Fluoride Help My Child?
- Why Are Sealants a Good Idea
- Book Now
Preventive dental care is all about staying ahead of the game. By starting good habits early, your child can enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime. Taking small steps today can make a huge difference tomorrow. It is totally normal to have questions about how to protect those little teeth, so we have put together some simple ways to keep plaque and cavities away.
- Brush twice a day. Have your child use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to have them brush their tongue, too. It helps keep their breath fresh.
- Clean between the teeth. Flossing once a day cleans the spots a toothbrush just cannot reach.
- Eat for a healthy smile. Crunchy veggies, yogurt, and cheese are great snacks that help keep teeth strong.
- Visit us every six months. Regular checkups and professional cleanings are the best way to keep things on track.
- Ask about sealants. These are thin, protective coatings we place on the back teeth to block out decay.
- Wear a mouthguard. If your child plays sports, we can provide a comfortable guard to keep their smile safe.
How Nutrition Affects Oral Health
We like to think of your child’s mouth as the doorway to the rest of their body. What they eat affects their energy, growth, and of course, their teeth. A balanced diet is a simple, advanced way to ensure their teeth stay strong.
- Watch the sugar. Sugary drinks and snacks can lead to acid that attacks tooth enamel.
- Focus on the basics. Whole grains, proteins, fruits, and veggies provide the nutrients your child needs to grow.
- Timing matters. If your child has something sweet, it is better to have it with a meal rather than as a standalone snack.
- Choose smart snacks. Limit snacking to a few times a day and reach for nutritious options.
- Try sugar-free gum. For older kids, chewing gum labeled with the ADA seal can help wash away food bits and keep teeth clean.
How Should My Child Brush Their Teeth?
Teaching your child the right way to brush is a great way to build their confidence. From there, it becomes a natural part of their day.
Aim at an Angle
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums.
Use Gentle Circles
Move the brush in small, gentle circles rather than scrubbing hard.
Cover Every Surface
Make sure to clean the outside, inside, and the flat chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Clean Behind Front Teeth
Use the tip of the brush to reach the inside surfaces of the top and bottom front teeth.
What is The Best Way to Floss?
Flossing might feel tricky at first, but the next step is easy once you get the hang of it.
Get Enough Floss
Use about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the same finger on the other hand.
Guide the Thread Carefully
Use your thumbs and pointer fingers to gently guide about an inch of floss between the teeth.
Form a “C” Shape
Gently slide the floss between teeth using a sawing motion. Curve it into a "C" shape against the side of the tooth and slide it just under the gum line.
Move Up and Down
Slide the floss up and down against the tooth surface to clear away plaque.
Is My Child's Thumb-Sucking Normal?
Thumb-sucking is a natural reflex that helps many infants feel safe and relaxed. It's like a built-in security blanket. Most children stop on their own between ages two and four.
If your child continues after their permanent teeth start coming in, we should take a look together. Passive sucking usually isn't a problem, but aggressive sucking can sometimes move teeth or change how the bite develops. If you're worried, we’re here to help you assess the situation and find a supportive way to move forward.
What Do I Need to Know About Fillings?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a tooth needs a little extra help. We offer personalized options to fix cavities and get your child back to smiling.
- Direct Fillings. These are usually done in one visit. We prepare the tooth and place the filling right then and there.
- Indirect Fillings. These take two visits. We take an impression of the tooth and a lab creates a custom piece (like a crown) that we then place during the second visit.
We’ll always chat with you about the best choice for your child based on where the cavity is and how much of the tooth needs to be restored.
Thrive Pediatric Dentistry Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐We had a wonderful experience at Thrive with my 9-year-old son, who has generalized anxiety. The staff worked so well with him and made sure he felt comfortable throughout the entire appointment. They allowed him to bring a comfort item and took the time to talk him through the entire procedure so he knew what to expect.I was especially impressed with how prompt the dentist was. My son was never left sitting in the chair waiting and anxious—the dentist was in the room within a minute. There was no unnecessary waiting time at all, which makes such a difference for a child with anxiety.I truly appreciate the patience, understanding, and care the entire staff showed my son. It made what could have been a very stressful experience a positive one. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazing! This was my son’s first dentist visit and I am so happy I picked the perfect office. Everyone was patient and I appreciated all the special little touches for his first visit.
My son has a lot of anxiety in general and was really anxious about having his cavities filled. The team at Throve made it a quick and painless experience for him. He came home all smiles so proud of how well he did.
What a great dental practice! My kids actually get excited to go and I always walk away with a positive experience. Many thanks to Dr. Dianne and the team.
The NICEST staff you will ever meet. I wish all appts could go that smoothly. Dr. Lee is amazing and makes everyone so comfortable.
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How Does Fluoride Help My Child?
Fluoride is a safe, natural mineral that acts like a shield for your child's teeth. It makes the enamel stronger and much better at fighting off decay.
- Systemic Fluoride. This is what your child gets from drinking water. It strengthens teeth while they are still growing under the gums.
- Topical Fluoride. This is found in toothpaste and mouthwash. We can also apply a professional fluoride treatment during your visit, which only takes a few minutes.
Why Are Sealants a Good Idea
Brushing is great, but even the best brushers can miss the deep grooves in their back teeth. Sealants are a protective coating we "paint" onto those chewing surfaces. It smooths out the deep cracks so food and plaque can't get stuck. They usually last three to five years and are a fantastic, innovative way to prevent cavities before they even start.
