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You\u2019ve heard the saying, \u201cmonkey see, monkey do.\u201d Actually, if you have kids, then you\u2019ve probably seen<\/em> the saying in action. You talk on the phone, and your toddler is right there wanting to talk, too. If your child sees you enjoying a good book during your free time, then he is more likely to want to read, also. Make healthy food choices, and your son or daughter will grow up wanting fruits and vegetables just like you. And if your children see you taking care of your teeth, then they will learn to do the same. Drs. Nicholas D\u2019Amico and Matt Mauck<\/a> are the Denver family dentists who know that parents need to be active participants in their children\u2019s lifelong pursuit of healthy and happy smiles. Brushing should begin as soon as that first little tooth appears. Use a baby toothbrush with a small head and just a tiny bit of toothpaste with fluoride. Don\u2019t increase the amount until you\u2019re certain that your child won\u2019t swallow the toothpaste, but will spit it out instead. Ingesting too much fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which may cause white or brown spots on developing teeth.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to supervise your children\u2019s oral hygiene routine until they are around seven or eight years old. Until then, they may need your help in order to adequately clean the molars at the back of their mouths.<\/p>\n To help prevent cavities from developing on those hard to reach molars, which are also deeply grooved and pitted and therefore more susceptible to decay, Dr. D\u2019Amico or Dr. Mauck may recommend dental sealants. These are clear plastic coatings that we \u201cpaint\u201d on to the teeth and quickly dry with a curing light. When hardened to a clear finish, dental sealants are physical barriers between decay-causing bacteria and teeth.<\/p>\n Fluoride treatments are another option for arming teeth for the fight against cavities. Applied topically as a gel or cream, fluoride has been shown to strengthen enamel, the outer layer that surrounds teeth and the first to be attacked by bacteria.<\/p>\n
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\nParents should take advantage of the fact that children are born imitators. Therefore, make teeth brushing a family affair. If your children see you making oral health care a priority, then they will learn that this is important. And don\u2019t forget to floss. As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, it\u2019s time to start flossing.<\/p>\nDental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments<\/h2>\n
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