Preventive dental care is important throughout life, especially at a young age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, your child can help keep their smile bright and healthy for many years to come.
At Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Brian Rooney, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Reem Hemantharaju provide pediatric dentistry for infants, children, and teens at our Flemington, NJ office.
Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
Good brushing technique helps remove plaque from every tooth surface. Follow these four steps with your child each time they brush.
Printable instructions >
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
Flossing cleans the spaces between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Here is how to floss in four steps.
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry notes that six months is the most common interval between exams, though some children need visits more or less often.
During a visit, your child may receive a fluoride treatment, and our dentists can talk with you about sealants and mouthguards. We accept insurance and fee-for-service, and you can read about payment options on our financial information page.
Your child should brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. Brushing the top surface of the tongue helps remove extra plaque-causing food particles and keeps breath fresh. Our Flemington team can show your child the right technique at their next visit.
A balanced diet helps, and it is best to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, and fruit can help keep your child’s smile healthy. Ask the dentists at Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry if you have questions about your child’s diet.
We recommend regular checkups every six months for a professional teeth cleaning. Some children need visits more or less often depending on their risk of tooth decay, and our team will recommend the right schedule. You can learn more about our dental exams and cleanings.
Dental sealants are a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay often starts. Ask your dentist whether sealants are right for your child. Read more about sealants at our Flemington office.
If your child plays sports, ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your child’s smile. Our team at Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry in Flemington can talk with you about options. See our page on mouthguards to learn more.
Dr. Brian Rooney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and our 4.8-star Google rating reflects the care our Flemington families receive.
Start your son or daughter on the path to a lifetime of excellent oral health. Contact our Flemington pediatric dental office through our appointment request form and schedule an appointment for your youngster today.
