The ABCs of Pediatric Dentistry: 26 Things for Kids to Know
ABC Time
We all love that feeling we get when we learn something new! So we made a fun list of items all about caring for your teeth, perfect for any child who loves to learn. We bet you don’t know them all!
A is for Appointment
Don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist two times a year! They can help you prevent any problems! You can make an appointment here!
B is for Brushing
Brushing your teeth is the first line of defense against cavities! Be sure to do this two times a day!
C is for Cavity
Cavities are created by bacteria eating away at your enamel and then carving caves into your teeth. You can help prevent this with a great oral care routine!
D is for Dentist
Your pediatric dentist is your ally when it comes to taking care of your teeth!
E is for Enamel
Enamel is that protective coating on the outside of your teeth. You can help keep this coating safe by avoiding sugary or acidic foods.
F is for Flossing
Flossing your teeth every day without fail will help find any bacteria that might be hiding in hard-to-reach places.
G is for Gums
Flossing and brushing your teeth can go a long way toward keeping your gums happy and healthy!
H is for Healthy Foods
When picking what you’re going to eat, reach for those nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and fruit. Do your best to maintain a balanced diet. This will help you have strong, healthy teeth!
I is for Infection
If you have any signs of infection, call your dentist! You don’t want to leave it untreated for long!
J is for Juice
Try to limit the consumption of sugary juice! That sugar loves to cause cavities all throughout your mouth.
K is for Kids’ Toothpaste
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and is approved for children!
L is for Lollipop
Though everyone loves a good sweet lollipop, don’t keep it in your mouth for a long period of time. The sugar loves to stick to your teeth and create cavities. If you want a sweet treat, try looking into Zollipops to avoid extra sugar!
M is for Mouth Guard
When playing sports, don’t forget that mouth guard! Remember that it could very well be protecting your mouth from some serious damage.
N is for Nighttime Brushing
Though you might be sleeping, the bacteria will be hard at work. We know you’re tired, but don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth!
O is for Orthodontist
Orthodontists are experts in straightening misaligned teeth!
P is for Plaque
Plaque is an icky film that sticks to the outside of your teeth and tries to create cavities. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the surface!
Q is for Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist any questions you might have! You might just learn something pretty cool about your teeth!
R is for Restorative Dentistry
Don’t be afraid of restorative dentistry! Restorative dentistry comes in a lot of different forms. It can be fillings to repair damaged teeth, crowns, or even implants if you are missing teeth. The goal is to improve the function of your teeth!
S is for Sealants
Ask your dentist about dental sealants! These go on your molars to help prevent cavities from forming!
T is for Tongue Cleaner
Bacteria likes to hide out where you least expect it—don’t forget to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth!
U is for Understanding
Try to learn and understand as much as you can about your oral health and why it’s important to take care of your smile.
V is for Vitamins
Make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet! These help you have strong teeth.
W is for Water
Did you know that your body is made up of 60% water? Your whole body needs water to stay hydrated! Be sure to reach for the water instead of sugary drinks; it’ll help keep you healthy and keep cavities from forming.
X is for X-ray
Dental X-rays exist so that your dentist will know what’s going on beneath the gums! If you ask, we’re sure your dentist will be able to show you some cool stuff in your next X-ray!
Y is for Yearly Check-ups
You don’t want a year to go by without seeing your dentist—they’ll miss you too much! Be sure to visit your dentist twice a year so they can keep an eye on your teeth and help you keep any problems from forming.
Z is for Zero Cavities
Keeping your teeth cavity-free is the goal! Keep brushing and flossing your teeth as directed and you’ll be well on your way to a happy, healthy smile!
Did you learn something new?
We hope we were able to teach you something new about your oral health! Don’t forget to brush those teeth twice a day, floss at least once, and visit your dentist twice a year. If you do that, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your smile shining bright!