Martha Garzon, DMD, MS

Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases in children, but the good news is that they’re largely preventable. By establishing good oral hygiene habits early, ensuring a tooth-friendly diet, and scheduling regular dental checkups, parents can help their children maintain strong, healthy smiles.

If you’re searching for expert advice on cavity prevention for kids in Edmond, you’re in the right place. This guide will cover essential oral hygiene tips, the best ways to prevent tooth decay, and healthy snack choices for strong teeth.

Best Practices for Brushing and Flossing

Good oral hygiene starts with daily brushing and flossing. Teaching your child how to clean their teeth will lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are key practices to follow:

1. Brush Twice a Day

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush appropriate for your child’s age.
• Use a training toothpaste until the child can spit. Use a rice-grain amount of fluoridated toothpaste for younger children and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children over three. 
• Brush for two minutes, covering all surfaces of the teeth.
• Supervise brushing until your child can effectively do it alone, usually around age 6 to 8.

2. Introduce Flossing Early

• Once your child’s teeth appear, especially if they touch each other, start flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth.
• Use kid-friendly flossers or waxed dental floss for easier use.
• Teach them proper techniques by guiding their hands or demonstrating them.

3. Replace Toothbrushes Regularly

• Change toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months or sooner if bristles appear frayed.
• Avoid sharing toothbrushes to prevent bacterial transfer.

Healthy Diet Tips for Strong Teeth

A well-balanced diet is crucial for preventing tooth decay. Certain foods can promote dental health, while others contribute to cavity formation.

1. Choose Tooth-Friendly Snacks

Opt for these healthy snacks for teeth:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots, celery) – Their crunchiness helps clean teeth naturally.
• Cheese and yogurt – These dairy products contain calcium and phosphorus, strengthening enamel.
• Nuts and seeds – Provide essential minerals and help neutralize acids in the mouth.

2. Limit Sugary and Sticky Foods

• Avoid frequent intake of sweets or starchy foods, especially if they are sticky and cling to the teeth.
• Avoid sipping sugary drinks like soda and juice for long periods of time—opt for water instead. 
• Remember that natural foods and milk can also contain natural sugar and carbohydrates. After breastfeeding or feeding a baby with milk in the bottle, wipe the child’s teeth with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Drinking milk often or for long periods of time can also cause decay. 
• Read labels to watch for hidden sugars in processed foods.

3. Encourage Water Over Sugary Drinks

• Fluoridated water strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Drinking water after meals and snacks wash away food particles.

Regular Dental Checkups and Preventive Care

Professional dental visits are vital in maintaining your child’s oral health. Here’s why routine checkups are essential:

1. Schedule Early and Regular Appointments

• The first dental visit should be by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
• Schedule checkups every six months to monitor oral development and catch issues early.

2. Consider Dental Sealants

• Sealants act as a protective barrier, preventing food and bacteria from getting stuck in hard-to-reach grooves of molars.
• This quick and painless treatment significantly reduces the risk of cavities.

3. Fluoride Treatments for Stronger Teeth

• Professional fluoride applications help remineralize enamel and strengthen teeth against decay.
• Talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements if your local water supply lacks adequate fluoride.

Cavity Prevention Checklist for Parents

Use this quick checklist to keep your child’s teeth healthy: Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. Floss once daily. Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Encourage tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts, and fresh produce. Ensure your child drinks fluoridated water. Schedule dental checkups every six months. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants. Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months.

Cavity prevention in children requires good oral hygiene habits, a healthy diet, and regular dental care. Following these steps can help your child maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime.

If you’re looking for expert pediatric dental care in Edmond, Dr. Garzon and her team are here to help. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your child’s smile stays bright and cavity-free!

As parents, ensuring your child has a healthy smile is a top priority. While brushing and flossing at home are essential, professional fluoride treatments provide an extra layer of protection against cavities and tooth decay. If you’re looking for fluoride treatments for kids in Edmond, understanding their benefits can help you make an informed decision about your child’s dental care.

What is Fluoride, and Why is it Important?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and certain foods. It is also found in toothpaste, gels, mouth rinses, varnishes, and supplements. Its primary role is to strengthen tooth enamel—the outer protective layer of teeth—and make it more resistant to decay. For children whose teeth are still developing, fluoride is especially important as it:

• Helps prevent cavities by reinforcing enamel.
• Reverses early signs of tooth decay.
• Supports the development of strong, healthy adult teeth.

Fluoride benefits for children extend beyond cavity prevention. It plays a vital role in establishing a foundation for lifelong oral health.

The Science Behind Fluoride’s Effectiveness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride treatments can reduce cavities in children by as much as 40%. Studies have also shown that children who receive regular fluoride treatments are significantly less likely to experience tooth decay compared to those who don’t.

Moreover, the American Dental Association (ADA) endorses fluoride as a safe and effective tool for maintaining oral health, making it a recommended treatment for children of all ages. 

Only small amounts of fluoride are necessary for maximum benefit. 

How Professional Fluoride Treatments Work

Professional fluoride treatments are quick, painless, and highly effective. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. A dentist or hygienist applies a concentrated fluoride solution, varnish, or foam to your child’s teeth.
2. The fluoride strengthens the enamel by integrating into the tooth’s structure.
3. This process creates a barrier against harmful acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.

The treatment takes just a few minutes, making it easy to incorporate into your child’s routine dental visits.

Benefits of Professional Fluoride Treatments for Kids

Regular fluoride treatments provide numerous advantages for children’s dental health. Here are the key benefits:

• • Cavity Prevention: Fluoride helps prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the risk of decay.
  • Repair of Early Decay: Fluoride can reverse early signs of tooth decay, preventing the need for more invasive treatments.
  • Long-Term Oral Health: Strong, healthy teeth in childhood set the stage for better oral health in adulthood.
  • Affordable and Effective: Fluoride treatments are cost-effective and provide lasting benefits.
  • Safe for All Ages: Fluoride is safe when administered by a dental professional, making it suitable for children as young as six months.

• Easily and quickly applied to the teeth: Fluoride varnish is applied using a small brush. A toothbrush is used when applying Fluoride foam. 

When Should Kids Start Professional Fluoride Treatments?

The ADA recommends fluoride treatments begin as soon as your child’s first teeth emerge, usually around six months old. Regular treatments every six months ensure consistent protection throughout childhood.

Dr. Garzon’s Approach to Kids’ Dental Care

At Dr. Garzon’s practice in Edmond, we understand the unique dental needs of children. Our fluoride treatments are designed to:

• Protect your child’s teeth during critical developmental years.
• Provide a comfortable and stress-free experience.
• Educate parents on maintaining oral health at home.

Dr. Garzon and our team take pride in offering personalized care that meets the highest standards of pediatric dentistry. In addition to fluoride treatments, we offer comprehensive pediatric dental services to ensure your child’s smile remains bright and healthy.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health at Home

Fluoride treatments are just one part of a comprehensive oral health plan. Here’s how you can support your child’s dental health at home:

• Encourage regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months.

According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), you should start using a tiny smear layer of fluoride toothpaste on your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. Use a rice-grain-sized amount until they are around 3 years old. Once children are 3 to 6 years old and can spit, the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop, and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively.  Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Ready to Protect Your Child’s Smile?

Fluoride professional treatments are a simple, effective way to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong. If you’re searching for fluoride treatment for kids in Edmond, Dr. Garzon and our dedicated team are here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and give your child the gift of a healthy smile. Call (405) 348-5757 or book online to get started!

• Learn more about fluoride from the ADA
• CDC’s Guide to Fluoride Benefits

As a parent, you want to ensure your child grows up healthy and happy; that includes taking care of their smile from the beginning. You might wonder, “When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?” According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should visit the dentist within six months of the first tooth’s appearance and no later than the first birthday. Establishing early dental visits sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Dr. Garzon, a trusted Edmond Pediatric Dentist, and her team have created a friendly environment to make the first and subsequent visits comfortable and positive.

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a critical role in your child’s growth and development. They help your child chew, speak, smile, and hold space for their permanent teeth to grow in the correct place. Starting dental visits early allows potential issues, like cavities or misaligned teeth, to be detected and addressed promptly or prevented. Additionally, early visits introduce your child to a positive dental experience and provide you and your child with valuable information to create good dietary and oral hygiene habits.

Dr. Garzon emphasizes the importance of preventive care, focusing on helping families in Edmond and the surrounding metropolitan area establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Early dental visits are an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for your child’s oral health while building trust with the pediatric dentist and her team. Dr. Garzon’s goal is to partner with the parents and their support system to help children succeed.

If you’re wondering what to expect at your child’s first dental visit, rest assured it’s designed to be a gentle and friendly introduction to oral care. Typically, the visit includes a brief examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and growth and development of the jaws to check for early signs of cavities, teething concerns, or other issues, such as oral habits. Your child’s teeth may be cleaned, and radiographs will be taken if needed. Dr. Garzon will also give parents practical tips on baby teeth care, including proper brushing and flossing techniques and advice on toothpaste and fluoride use. This first visit isn’t just about checking teeth—it’s about getting acquainted and creating a welcoming and positive experience for your child.

FAQs About Pediatric Dental Care

What should I expect at my child’s first dental visit?

The first visit is designed to help your child feel comfortable while Dr. Garzon gently examines their teeth, gums, and jaw growth and development. Parents will receive valuable tips for baby teeth care and guidance on teething, diet, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and oral habits. The visit focuses on building trust and a positive experience for your child and is a way to introduce children to a friendly dental environment.

How often should kids see a dentist?

Children should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. These visits help monitor your child’s oral health, growth, and development, prevent or detect issues early, and reinforce healthy habits.

Why is it important to take my child to a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. After graduating as General Dentists, Pediatric Dentists have two or three additional years of training in child psychology and behavior management techniques to ensure that children receive age-appropriate care and guidance. Dr. Garzon’s expertise as an Edmond pediatric dentist helps create a safe, comfortable experience tailored to kids.

How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

Convey good feelings by explaining that Dr. Garzon and her team will show them many exciting things to help them take good care of their teeth. Playing pretend dentist at home can also help familiarize your children with what to expect. Be positive, and you will see that your children will have a positive and fun experience. If you or anyone around them is fearful of dentistry, work hard not to transfer those fears; children are very perceptive. Use child-friendly words and let them know that they can ask questions anytime and that Dr. Garzon and her team will walk them through the different steps of the dental visit to ensure that the child is relaxed and has a pleasant visit. We aim to partner with parents to help children succeed and have a positive experience!

Where can I find trusted Edmond pediatric dentist recommendations?

Dr. Garzon is a top choice among local families seeking a caring and knowledgeable kids’ dentist. Her reputation in Edmond makes her a go-to recommendation for children’s dental care. When choosing the right pediatric dentist for your child, Dr. Garzon’s practice stands out as a trusted name in Edmond. Known for her pediatric dentistry expertise and gentle, patient-centered approach, Dr. Garzon ensures that every child’s visit is positive and reassuring. The practice’s family-friendly environment and excellent reputation make it a favorite among parents searching for “Edmond pediatric dentist recommendations” or “kids’ dentist near me.” She also enjoys caring for special needs children or children with emotional, psychological, behavioral, and other challenges.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Caring for your child’s teeth begins before their first dental visit. Start brushing when their first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and training toothpaste. As the teeth come in, flossing between teeth that touch is essential to prevent cavities. Additionally, avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle containing milk or juice, as prolonged exposure to sugar can lead to decay. Encouraging good habits early will set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit Today

Taking the first step toward your child’s oral health is simple and incredibly important. If you’re searching for an experienced and caring pediatric dentist in Edmond, look no further than Dr. Garzon’s practice. Schedule your child’s first dental visit today to ensure a bright and healthy smile for a lifetime!