Do I Have to Brush My Child’s Teeth?

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Some parents don’t know if their child should brush their teeth on their own. Your child’s dentist in Victorville CA can tell you whether you should be brushing your child’s teeth for them, or if your child is capable of brushing their teeth on their own. Below, we’ll help you decide for yourself whether your child needs this kind of help.

When To Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Most children need their teeth to be brushed until they reach the age of about 7 or 8 years old. They need this help brushing their teeth because children don’t always have the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth properly, and many don’t have the discipline to brush their teeth for a full two minutes.

Left to their own devices, children may not brush their teeth for long enough, and may miss important parts of their teeth during the brushing process. Children are prone to cavities, and poor brushing habits can make that problem worse.

Best Practices When Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

When brushing your child’s teeth, brush for two minutes with a tooth brush that is the right size for a child. If your child is not old enough to understand that they should not swallow their toothpaste, buy them non-fluoridated toothpaste. Your child’s dentist can show you how to brush your child’s teeth properly.

If you need help brushing your child’s teeth, bring your child in for a dental exam in Victorville CA. At A Paul S Bell, DDS Inc, we can help you learn how to brush your child’s teeth. During your child’s dental exam, we’ll show you the best techniques for getting their teeth on the sides, back and front. Call today to make an appointment.

3 Important Things to Know About Teeth Cleaning Appointments  

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All dentists agree, having your teeth cleaned regularly could be the single most important thing you do for your smile. Teeth cleaning in Victorville, CA involves eradicating built-up tartar and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth not addressed during standard brushing and flossing. Here is a look at a few things to know about the importance of getting your teeth cleaned professionally.

Proper teeth cleanings lower your risk of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is especially common for people who do not go to dental hygiene appointments. During a cleaning, the hygienist gets down under the gum tissue at the base of your teeth. This in-depth cleaning process removes harbored bacteria that contribute to gum disease development.

Teeth cleaning means less of a chance of stains on your teeth.

The longer hidden residue is allowed to hang out on the enamel of your teeth, the more likely it becomes that those stains become permanent. Stains are basically food particles that can etch their way into the tooth’s enamel over time and cause irreversible damage.

Dental hygiene appointments help keep your breath fresh.

Did you know that bad breath (halitosis) is more prominent among patients that do not get their teeth cleaned on a regular basis? The thorough cleaning process that takes place during a dental hygiene appointment gets rid of the bacteria that can lead to foul odors in the mouth.

Find a Victorville, CA Dentist to Get Your Teeth Cleaned

When all is said and done, dental hygiene appointments are a critical part of being proactive about your oral health. If you have not had your teeth cleaned in a while and need a Victorville dentist to help, reach out to us at the office of A. Paul S.Bell D.D.S. to schedule an appointment.

 

3 Important Questions to Ask Your Dentist at the Next Visit

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Every time you visit your dentist in Victorville CA, you have an opportunity to ask your dentist questions that can help you take care of your teeth at home. Knowing which questions to ask is key. Below are some questions to ask your dentist the next time you come in for a general cleaning or a checkup.

1. Is My Oral Hygiene Routine Enough?

You should be brushing your teeth twice daily, and flossing your teeth once per day. It’s important to brush your teeth properly and to floss properly as well. Your dentist can tell you whether your tooth brushing and flossing efforts are paying off by examining your teeth.

If your oral hygiene routine isn’t enough, they’ll make suggestions for change. If you are brushing and flossing as often as you should be, it may be that you’ll need to make changes to how you brush and floss. Ask your dentist about your oral hygiene habits and get suggestions.

2. When Should I Come Back for My Next Appointment?

It’s common for dental patients to come in for dentist checkups in Modesto every six months. However, your dentist may suggest a different timeline based on the condition of your teeth and oral hygiene. Find out from your dentist when you should come back for your next appointment.

3. Am I At Risk for Any Oral Hygiene Conditions?

Depending on your age, whether you smoke, your physical health and other traits, you could be at elevated risk for certain oral health conditions. Knowing your risk can help you take care of yourself. Ask your dentist what conditions you should be watching for, what the signs are, and what you can do to prevent these conditions.

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