So while romantics and presidents get one day in February, the entire month is National Children’s Dental Health Month. What better time to make an appointment for your children to see Dr. Thomas Neslund at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Carlisle, PA? Dr. Neslund and his staff emphasize the importance of children’s dentistry because if children learn early to take care of their teeth and gums, then they will likely enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
Children’s Dentistry and You
While Dr. Neslund recommends that you start bringing your children to see him around when they are three years old, children’s dentistry actually begins before that in your home and with you. After feeding, clean your children’s baby teeth with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. As they grow and more teeth develop, you can gently brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush and just a bit of toothpaste.
Children’s Dentistry with Dr. Neslund
As with adults, Dr. Neslund recommends twice yearly checkups for children. At these checkups, we’ll clean their teeth and remove any plaque buildup. Whether you brush their teeth or they do, removing plaque from little teeth can be challenging, so we do our best to help with that during their checkups. We will also assess the health of their teeth and gums and possibly take x-rays.
Depending on what we find during your child’s exam, we might apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel. Once your child’s permanent teeth come in, we can apply dental sealants to your child’s molars. These create a solid barrier against decay-causing bacteria that can hide in deeply grooved teeth. Finally, as your child grows, we’ll also check on the development of his or her bite.
Call Our Office Today
If your children need to see the dentist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Neslund at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Carlisle, PA. We also serve patients from Boiling Springs, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.
Most parents know they shouldn’t send their kids to school with sugary, acidic sodas, but there are secret sugars hiding in some of the drinks parents consider good for kids. Sodas are highly acidic and contain large amounts of natural and processed sugars. This one two punch can increase risk of decay for kids. Reducing soda intake or removing it completely from your child’s diet is a great first step, but there are actually other drinks that can negatively impact your child’s oral health. There are three keys to keeping your child’s smile healthy. Drink sugary and acidic beverages in moderation, keep teeth healthy with great at home care, and visit a trusted Boiling Springs dentist for biannual dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings.