February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Richmond Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is Central Virginia’s top destination for complete oral care; from your child’s very first tooth all the way up to braces and beyond.
Did you know that 40% of children will experience tooth decay by the time they start Kindergarten? (Learn more here!) We’re here to lower that statistic by educating our patients and their families on the importance of good oral hygiene in a fun and compassionate environment.
First Birthday = First Dental Visit
Our team of expert pediatric dentists recommend your child come in for their first dental visit around the time of their first birthday. This first visit is aimed at establishing the relationship and will be educational for the parents and fun for the whole family! We go over proper brushing techniques, the benefits of a healthy diet, injury prevention and allow the child to experience all of our fun dental “toys”. To schedule your child’s first dentist appointment, click HERE.
Two Minutes, Twice A Day
Incorporating brushing and flossing into your child’s daily routine are key to a healthy mouth and a healthy child! The American Dental Association recommends your child (and you!) brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (children ages 2-6). We encourage parents to assist their young children with brushing up until age 10 or when the child shows a strong independence in reaching those hard-to-get areas. One of the main questions we get from parents is “when should my child start flossing?”. The answer is, as soon as two or more teeth are touching. Food and plaque can build up in between the teeth and begin to cause decay. Flossing is just as important as brushing to protect their tiny teeth.
Braces, No or Go?
Our team of pediatric dentists and orthodontists work together to come up with a personalized, comprehensive care plan for your child, specific to their dental needs. RPDO allows for a seamless experience between the dentist to the orthodontist, giving you more time for the things you enjoy doing! What better time to schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit than National Children’s Dental Health Month? To schedule a FREE orthodontic consultation with one of our top orthodontists, click HERE.
Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month With Us!
Lastly, here are some quick tips from our pediatric dentists and orthodontics to maintain your child’s oral health:
- Start brushing with the first tooth! Prior to your child’s first tooth, clean their gums daily by wiping them thoroughly with a clean damp cloth.
- Schedule dental check ups regularly (every 6 months)
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day!
- Begin flossing as soon as their teeth touch.
- Snack Healthy – avoid sugary and sticky snacks such as fruit snacks, sports drinks and candy. Instead, choose calcium rich snacks such as cheese sticks, yogurts and milk!
- Schedule an orthodontic consultation to evaluate your child’s dental anatomy and the potential need for braces or other orthodontic appliances.
