Frequently Asked Questions When it Comes to Your Child’s Boise Dental Health

A crucial part of parenting is educating your children about the importance of good oral hygiene and why they should practice proper Boise dental health habits. A good way of doing this is by establishing a solid Boise dental routine at an early age in an effort to prevent cavities and other oral health issues. To help you make sure your children have a healthy smile, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked children’s Boise dental questions with their answers:

Q: When should I take my child for their first Boise dental check-up?

A: A good rule of thumb is to schedule your child’s first Boise dental checkup when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. Doing so helps to prevent future dental issues, or decay. In addition, early appointments such as these help teach parents how to properly care for their child’s teeth while instilling in their little ones a lifetime of good dental habits.

Q: How often should I take my child to their Boise dentist?

A: On average, your Boise dentist recommends taking your child every six months for a Boise dental checkup to avert cavities and other dental problems. However, frequency may vary based upon their personal oral health, so check with your Boise dentist to see what they recommend.

Q: What age should children start using toothpaste, and how much should be used?

A: It is recommended that children start using fluoridated toothpaste at the age of three. Until the, its still important to clean your child’s teeth. You can easily do this with a soft-bristled toothbrush and some tepid water. Once your child turns three, parents should supervise the brushing and allow them to use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Q: When should children start flossing?

A: Flossing is an important part of your child’s oral care because it helps to remove food particles and plaque that gets lodged between teeth. As a parent you can help by gently flossing their teeth around the age of four. Generally most kids have the hang of it by the age of eight years old, but be sue to monitor their flossing habits for the the first few years to help build a solid foundation of good Boise dental hygiene.

Q: When should I stop my child’s thumb sucking or pacifier use?

A: Although it can vary on an individualized basis, your Boise dentist recommends, limiting pacifier use after a baby reaches six months of age. Any usage after that can be linked to an increase in ear infections. While thumb sucking usually does not pose a problem to teeth formation unless it continues once their permanent teeth begin to appear, your Boise dentist recommends a mouth guard or other dental device if thumb sucking continues with the permanent teeth.

Q: Are Boise dental X-rays safe for children?

A: Boise dental X-rays use only a very small amount of radiation and pose very little health risks over time. Your Boise dentist is particularly careful when performing any Boise dental X-rays on children by using lead aprons and high-speed film to ensure their safety.