Most parents know the basics of children’s oral health: limit sugar, make sure they brush and floss regularly, discourage between-meal snacking, and take them to the dentist for twice-yearly exams and cleanings. At Town Dental Group, your children’s dentist in Mint Hill, we’d add to make sure  they get enough calcium and Vitamin D. Many parents also give their kids fluoride supplements if their municipal water supply has an inadequate level of fluoride.

Is there anything else a concerned parent can do to promote children’s oral health? Yes! Have children use an oral rinse that contains fluoride.

Fluoride supplements help strengthen teeth that are still forming, but fluoride rinses help teeth that have already come in. A fluoride rinse is an added measure of protection.

We recommend North Carolina children use an oral rinse after they brush and floss. They should swish it around in their mouth for thirty seconds or so, and then spit it out. (Make sure your child doesn’t swallow it!) This should be the last substance in their mouth before they go to bed. The fluoride will remain on the teeth and help prevent new cavities from forming. It can also help stop any demineralization that has already begun by accumulating in the tiny fissures and fortifying the enamel.

Town Dental Group in Mint Hill provides children’s dentistry, as well as general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment for you and your kids today.