It’s important to get your children started with a good oral hygiene routine as soon as possible to help ensure they have a lifetime of good oral health. Care Dental Center is an experienced provider of dental care to children of all ages. We would love to have your family join us as patients in our Carson office!
You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts, usually between 6 and 9 months of age. This will help get them used to brushing and make it easier to transition them to brushing their own teeth once they are old enough.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that your child have their first dental checkup by the time they are 12 months old, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, whichever is the earliest.
This is to ensure that everything is healthy and developing properly. After that, they can come in for checkups every 6 months just like older children and adults.
Children shouldn’t use mouthwash before 6 years old due to the risk of them swallowing the mouthwash. Most children younger than this can’t reliably gargle and spit, and mouthwash can be toxic if swallowed.
Your child should start flossing, or you should start flossing for them, whenever their teeth start to fit closely together. This normally happens between ages 2 and 6. If you’re uncertain whether it’s time to start, ask your dentist the next time your child visits the Carson office for a checkup.
Any child-size toothbrush with soft bristles is acceptable. Don’t use a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles, as they can damage your child’s developing teeth and gums.
You can purchase toothpaste made specifically for children at any retailer. The most important things are to make sure that the toothpaste contains fluoride and that you follow the instructions and only give your child the recommended amount.
Kids should brush their teeth at least twice per day and floss once per day (once age-appropriate, of course) just like adults.
It might not seem like dental checkups are important for preschoolers, but cavities are one of the most prevalent health issues in children under 5 in the U.S. They are also prevalent in school-age children. Regular dental checkups can help prevent cavities and treat them before they become painful if they do arise.
Dental checkups for both children and adults are usually covered at either 80% or 100% of cost by most dental insurance plans. If this is the case, then your out-of-pocket expenses will be zero or minimal. If you don’t have dental insurance, but do have health insurance, contact your health insurer to see if they provide dental coverage to your children through your health plan. This is common with some insurers.
We can also work with you on payment plans. You can always contact the staff at our Carson office if you have any questions about costs.
Don’t Wait Any Longer to Get Your Child Seen by a Dentist!
Call Care Dental Center today at (310) 626-0004 and make an appointment for your child.
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