Mighty Bites Pediatric Dentistry
222 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073
Phone: 610-801-1502 | eFax: 610-648-2470
PREVENTIVE CARE
PREVENTIVE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
HELP YOUR CHILD BUILD HEALTHY DENTAL HABITS FOR LIFE
A healthy smile starts with great dental habits! At Mighty Bites Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the key to strong, cavity-free teeth. Dr. Richard Clark and our team are here to help parents and guardians in Newtown Square, PA, teach their children how to care for their smiles—both at the dentist’s office and at home.
BRUSHING
BASICS
FLOSSING
TIPS
AVOIDING
CAVITIES
BRUSHING
BASICS
FLOSSING
TIPS
AVOIDING
CAVITIES
BRUSHING BASICS: HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH
Helping your child learn to brush can be fun and rewarding! Here’s how to guide them step by step:
Start Early:
Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste:
• Ages 0–3: A smear (size of a grain of rice)
• Ages 3+: A pea-sized amount
Make it Fun: Some kids resist care tasks like brushing, but a little creativity can help!
• Play a Fun Song: Choose a two-minute brushing song to make the time go by faster.
• Use a Sticker Chart: Reward your child for brushing and flossing regularly.
• Make it a Game: Pretend the toothbrush is a superhero fighting off “sugar bad guys.”
• Brush Together: Kids love to copy their parents—make brushing a family activity!
Use Positive Phrases:
• Say: “Let’s tickle your teeth and make them sparkle!”
• Say: “Time to get your teeth super strong!”
• Avoid: “If you don’t brush, you’ll get cavities.” (This can make brushing feel like a punishment instead of a good habit.)
Help Them Until They’re Ready:
Most kids need help brushing until around age 6–7. Even after that, they might need reminders to brush for a full two minutes twice a day.
FLOSSING: WHEN & HOW TO START
Flossing removes food and plaque from between your child’s teeth — where toothbrushes can’t reach! Here are some tips to build flossing into your child’s daily routine:
When to Start: Begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch.
How to Help: Use child-friendly flossers or soft floss to make it easier.
Make it a Routine: Encourage flossing once a day, preferably before bed.
• Say: “Let’s clean between your teeth so they stay happy!”
• Avoid: “If you don’t floss, your teeth will rot!”
MORE PREVENTIVE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY TIPS: AVOIDING CAVITIES
Cavities are common in children, but they are preventable! Here’s how to protect your child’s teeth:
Limit Sugary Snacks & Drinks:
• Avoid frequent snacking on sticky, sugary foods like fruit snacks, candy, and juice.
• Offer tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, yogurt, crunchy fruits, and veggies.
• If your child drinks juice, serve it with meals instead of sipping throughout the day.
Encourage Water Over Sugary Drinks:
Water helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth hydrated. Fluoridated water also strengthens your child’s tooth enamel!
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups:
Dr. Clark recommends a checkup and cleaning every six months to keep your child’s teeth healthy and catch any potential issues early.
PREVENTIVE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY TIPS FOR A LIFETIME OF SMILES
Healthy habits today lead to strong, cavity-free smiles tomorrow! Dr. Clark and the Mighty Bites team in Newtown Square are here to help your child build a positive relationship with dental care.
Let’s keep those teeth happy and healthy! Book your child’s next dental appointment today!