Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry: Healthy Tips for Healthy Teeth
Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry: Healthy Tips for Healthy Teeth
Parents often ask what they can do to help prevent cavities and take care of their child’s teeth. Baby teeth are important for helping a child speak properly, chew food, and they act as place holders for permanent teeth. The keys to good oral health include a balanced diet, brushing and flossing each morning and night, and regular dental visits.
Balanced Diet
Try to feed your child a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Limit snacking as that will limit the amount of time sugars from food sit on the teeth. Never send your child to bed with milk or juice. Water is fine, but the sugars in milk and juice will encourage cavities to form as they sit on your child’s teeth throughout the night.
Brushing and Flossing
After your child has had their last meal or drink for the evening, brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Children from infants through around the age of 8 or 9 require help from parents when brushing and flossing their teeth. As children mature and become more independent, they are able to take better care of their teeth on their own. It may be helpful to let your child brush their teeth first and then go back over the teeth to insure they are properly brushed and flossed. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time brushing the teeth and gums.
Make brushing fun! Let your child choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead of regular dental floss, try using flossers or Gum Chucks. These products help make dental care more fun, and let kids take control of their oral health routine. Let your child see themselves brushing in the mirror!
Hanging Out With Dr. Thom
Dental Visits
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child see a pediatric dentist within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, or by the age of 1. A pediatric dentist can recommend preventative treatments that will keep teeth healthy and can monitor a child’s teeth for potential problems. These first visits also allow children to become comfortable visiting the dentist which is helpful in preparing for cleanings, exams, and X-rays during future visits.
Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry is located at 1395 Silver Bluff Road in Aiken. The practice sees patients from birth through college-aged kids, and they are now accepting new patients. For more information, call the office at 803.393.4550 or e-mail smile@kitfoxdental.com.
About Dr. Thom
Dr. Thom Akins grew up in the small town of Dublin, Georgia. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, he worked as an engineer at a paper mill for nearly 7 years. He then decided to attend dental school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. It was while in his pediatric dental residency in Augusta that he met his wife Anna – she was assisting him during a dental procedure. After working in a dental practice for several years, Dr. Thom and Mrs. Anna decided to move their family to Aiken to open their own pediatric practice.
Dr. Thom is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentists, the South Carolina Dental Association, the American Dental Association, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentists and a member of OKU National Dental Honor Society.
