At Dental Care of Lombard in Lombard, IL, we believe prevention is the best policy. We also believe prevention is best when it is started at an early age—age 1! Good oral hygiene is essential to help children ward off enamel erosion that creates cavities, infection, and much larger issues down the road.
With her own three children, Dr. Julie Glud knows how difficult it can be to train a child in the ways of good oral hygiene. For this reason, she wants to partner with you to help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy as he or she grows older. She does this by administering fluoride to strengthen their teeth, placing dental sealants to prevent cavities, and teaching proper at-home hygiene techniques.
Healthy Habits at Home
As a parent, your child is always watching to see what to do and how to do it. This applies to dental care as well! Here are some things that can be done at home to encourage healthy dental habits:
- Make brushing fun! Have your child stand next to you on a step stool and play the copycat game with their own toothbrush.
- Focus on one thing at a time. Once they have learned the art of brushing, move on to teaching them how to floss correctly.
- Limit starches and sugars. Consider replacing the juice with water after meals and before bedtime to help restore the enamel on their teeth. With snacks, offer foods that are high in calcium, like cheese, to help their teeth grow stronger!
- Visit the dentist regularly. The dentist will be your child’s best ally in fighting against tooth decay. Regularly scheduled visits will ensure that your child is free from cavities and help catch any other dental issues much sooner.
To set up an appointment at our family-friendly Lombard office, contact us online or call (630) 629-5700.
Fluoride Varnish
If using fluoride toothpaste at home, always supervise your child to ensure he or she does not swallow it and keep it out of reach when it is not being used. Although it can be harmful if used incorrectly, fluoride is extremely effective in discouraging the breakdown of enamel and repairing initial stages of tooth decay.
Dr. Glud is happy to apply fluoride varnish to our young patients that may be more susceptible to tooth decay because of medical issues, diets, or other factors. This varnish is simply painted onto the teeth, dried, and begins working its magic of keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy!
Dental Sealants
To further reduce the risk of cavities, Dr. Glud recommends dental sealants. These are a clear, protective coating applied to the tops of the molars and are proven to be highly effective in preventing tooth decay. This affordable procedure is completed in minutes and provides years of protection for the molars.
Make an Appointment Today
By the age of two, children should be visiting the dentist at least every six months to ensure their teeth are healthy and developing well. Our experienced staff at Dental Care of Lombard is here to encourage your child’s healthy oral habits at home and provide preventative measures in office.
To set up a comprehensive appointment for your child, give us a call today at (630) 629-5700 or visit us online.
