This February, in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, we’re sharing information about caring for your child’s teeth.
The office of Drs. Van Buskirk and Krischke is a family-oriented dental practice with a team that is passionate about keeping you and your children healthy. An essential part of that is educating you about the ins and outs of childhood dental care.

How To Clean Your Child’s Teeth

You may assume that the right time to start caring for your child’s teeth is when the first tooth pokes through. However, you should actually start just a few days after your little one is born by cleaning their gums. Using a clean, wet washcloth you can gently wipe their gums after a feeding to make sure milk or formula isn’t left sitting on their gums.
As soon as your baby gets their first tooth, they’re at risk for tooth decay. In most cases, the first tooth pushes through the gums when your child is about 6 months old. Once that first tooth pokes through, use a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for infants to brush the tooth.
As your child grows and gets more teeth, continue to help them brush their teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Remind them not to swallow the toothpaste.
Continue to guide them until they’re old enough to effectively brush their teeth on their own.
When your little one has two teeth that touch, you should start helping them floss between their teeth. Your child may resist, especially in the beginning, but it’s important to get them used to how it feels to floss, so they’re more comfortable as they grow older.

Teach Your Child Good Dental Habits

When helping your child care for their teeth, it’s essential that you teach them to establish good habits. One of the best ways to teach your child healthy habits is to lead by example. Make a point to show your child that you take time each day to focus on your own dental health.
First and foremost, you should teach your child how to brush and floss their teeth properly.
Brushing properly includes brushing for at least two minutes each time, while focusing on the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
However, caring for healthy teeth requires more than just proper brushing and flossing. As we will likely remind you when you come in for a dental cleaning at the office of Drs. Van Buskirk and Krischke, what you eat and drink is just as important for keeping your mouth healthy.
It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. You should also eat low-fat dairy products to ensure you’re getting the calcium your teeth need to grow strong.

Preventive Pediatric Dental Care

At our Crown Point, IN dental office, each member of our team is passionate about helping every member of your family maintain a healthy smile. Many of our patients with young children have found preventive pediatric dental care particularly helpful.
What many people don’t realize beforehand is that a dental cleaning is a form of preventive care. Bringing your child in for a cleaning is one of several ways you’re helping to prevent dental and oral health issues in your child.
Another great preventive option for kids is a fluoride varnish. A fluoride varnish helps to make teeth more resistant to decay.
At our Crown Point, IN dentist office, we also offer sealants. Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent molars, which usually erupt between the ages of six and 12. Dental sealants help to prevent decay in the natural grooves of your child’s back teeth.
Another form of preventive dentistry we can discuss when you visit our office is orthodontics. Braces can help prevent misalignment as your child’s teeth and jaw grows. Our orthodontic treatments can help ensure your child’s smile is straight and their bite is well-aligned.

Schedule An Appointment For Your Child Today

For the sake of your child’s dental health, don’t wait another day to schedule an appointment. Call the office of Drs. Van Buskirk and Krischke today at 219-641-3422 to schedule your child’s dental cleaning and exam. If you’d like, we can find a time to see you both, if you’re due for a cleaning as well.
You can also request an appointment using our online form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.