McCabe Dental provides family and cosmetic dental services for our patients of all ages. Our dentist in Ocean Springs, Dr. Tyler McCabe, is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Mississippi Dental Association. From dental cleanings to whitening treatments, we want your child to have a beautiful, healthy smile. Request your child's dental appointment today for preventative care at our Ocean Springs office at 1145 Ocean Springs Rd.
Your Child's Dental Care
Your child should first see our pediatric dentist in Ocean Springs by their first birthday or after the eruption of their first tooth. You should schedule dental cleanings and checkups every six months for early detection and prevention. Taking your child to the dentist in Ocean Springs from an early age will help ensure a lifelong desire to maintain a healthy smile.
Essential Tips for Parents
McCabe Dental wants parents to know that proper dental care begins long before the first tooth erupts. Start oral hygiene by cleaning your baby's gums with a soft cloth after each feeding. Follow these tips to protect your child's oral health.
Proper Brushing Instruction and Monitoring
Once your child has teeth, introduce them to brushing. A soft, child-sized toothbrush will remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup that can lead to cavities. Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, around the size of a grain of rice. Your child should brush their teeth twice a day, and you will need to monitor them until around the age of seven or until they demonstrate proper form.
The Importance of Flossing
You should begin flossing your child's teeth when they have at least two teeth that touch. Dr. McCabe recommends starting flossing between the ages of two to six, depending on your child's tooth growth.
Flossing becomes especially essential as your child's mouth fills with teeth to prevent tooth decay. Interproximal cavities are those that occur between the teeth. Flossing keeps these tooth spaces clean to ensure your child's healthy smile.
Discourage Bad Habits
Ensure your child knows teeth are for chewing food only. Discourage them from biting on toys or chewing their fingernails. You should also encourage your child to avoid thumb sucking after their permanent teeth erupt to avoid alignment issues.
Limit Sugar Consumption
Sugary treats are everywhere, tempting children to eat. While it may be impossible to avoid sugar entirely, limiting your child's consumption can help protect their oral health.
When your child eats sugar, it feeds the harmful bacteria in their mouth, producing acids that can break down tooth enamel. If your child eats sugary treats, brush their teeth afterward to protect them from decay.
Encourage Hydration with Water
Fruit juice and soda are bad for your child's teeth because they have a lot of sugar. Encourage your child to drink water as often as possible instead of sugary drinks. Water can help flush away harmful bacteria.
Our Partnership for Your Child's Healthy Smile
McCabe Dental is your pediatric dentist in Ocean Springs. We partner with you to protect your child's healthy smile. Regular brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet are the beginning blocks of good oral health. Your child needs to see Dr. McCabe twice a year for dental checkups. Schedule your child's dental appointment today at our office located at 1145 Ocean Springs Rd. Together, we can help your child's smile stay healthy and strong!