After brushing your teeth for two minutes, parents and children (above age 5) alike should spit the toothpaste out of their mouth and NOT rinse with water.   The primary benefit of toothpaste is the fluoride it contains. Therefore, it is NOT recommended to rinse with water directly following tooth brushing.  Rinsing immediately removes the fluoride from your saliva and thus the beneficial properties fluoride offers: strengthening the enamel thus minimizing cavity risk and decreasing tooth sensitivity. 

Starting at birth, clean your infant’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth.  As the teeth begin to erupt (at about 6-8 months), begin using a “smear” amount of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush and brush twice daily.  For the 2-5 years old, dispense a “pea-sized” amount of fluoride toothpaste and continue to assist with your child’s brushing.   (Most children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.)  It is expected most children under the age of 5 will swallow the toothpaste.  As long as the guidelines for toothpaste usage are followed, the developing permanent teeth will benefit from the fluoride ingestion.  

Sealants are protective coatings placed on the biting surfaces of the teeth to protect against cavities.  The chewing surfaces of the teeth naturally have deeper grooves and pits which allow bacteria and food to be trapped in these areas.  Even with effective tooth brushing, these areas can be difficult to keep clean.   Sealants “seal out” food and plaque, thus decreasing the risk of cavity formation, by up to 67%.   

Sealants are traditionally recommended on the molars of both baby and permanent teeth.  The procedure is very quick and easily tolerated by most children, taking less than 10-15 minutes in most cases.   Ask Dr. John Riehs about the need for sealants on your child.

For more information, please visit us at:

http://www.prestoncenterpediatricdentistry.com/

http://www.pediatricdentistdallastx.com/

Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As teeth start to erupt at around 6 months of age, parents should begin to brush the teeth using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste with a soft bristle age-appropriate toothbrush.  Once children are 3 to 6 years old, the amount of toothpaste used on the toothbrush should be increased to a pea-size.  Also, parents should be assisting in the child’s tooth brushing because most children at this age lack the ability to brush their teeth effectively.  It is expected that most children will swallow the toothpaste until they have the ability to learn spitting (at around age 5).  As long as the guidelines for the amount of toothpaste used are followed, the developing teeth will benefit from the fluoride ingested systemically.  

Many parents ask the question: “When should I schedule my child’s first dental appointment?”
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends your child’s first dental visit by age 1 or when the first teeth begin to erupt. Establishing a dental home for your child at a young age establishes continuity of care and a relationship between the pediatric dentist, child, and parent. Building that relationship will allow your child to develop trust with the dentist/staff... and provide a solid foundation for positive dental care.
During that first visit, parents should receive information on oral hygiene instructions (brushing and flossing), intake of fluoride, consequences of prolonged oral habits (finger and thumb sucking, pacifier use), ways to prevent accidents that could damage the face and teeth, eruption/development of the teeth, and the correlation between diet and oral health.

FLOSS Dental has changed ordinary dentistry by modifying its approach and creating a new, extraordinary patient experience.  After eight years of providing a new experience in general dentistry, FLOSS is expanding to pediatric dentistry!  “FLOSS KIDS” is the very first specialized pediatric dental office located at Preston Center in Dallas, Texas, owned and operated by Dr. John J. Riehs.

Dr. Riehs graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio in 1998 where he also completed his two year residency in pediatric dentistry from 2005-2007.   He strives to provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all kids, which is reflected in the look and feel of the office.  With its state of the art lighting, creative décor, and digital dental equipment FLOSS Kids helps create a positive atmosphere which complements the fun and lighthearted nature of Dr. Riehs and his staff.   Dr. Riehs is a dad himself.  He has two beautiful children, Jacob and Hayden, and understands the trust parents bestow in treating their children.  Dr. Riehs allows parents to accompany younger children as they are treated but also encourages the patients to develop their own independence as they mature.   The primary goal is to help facilitate a positive dental experience which will help ensure future dental care.    

FLOSS KIDS is located in the Preston Center Shopping Center between DSW Shoes and CVS at the corner of Berkshire Avenue and Westchester Drive.  FLOSS KIDS is hosting their ribbon cutting grand opening ceremony with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, August 25^th 11:30am – 1:00pm.  You are cordially invited to attend the ribbon cutting and take a tour of the office. 

FLOSS KIDS is celebrating September Sealant month.  They are offering 50% off all sealants for the month of September.   Sealants are protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of molars on both baby and permanent teeth.  They decrease the risk of chewing surface cavities by 65%.  Call TODAY to schedule your child’s appointment: 214-838-3210 or email us at prestoncenter@flossdentalkids.com.