As a parent, it's your job to care for your child's health, and this includes their oral health. You also need to teach them how to take care of their own oral hygiene. In order to do both these jobs effectively, you should be well-informed. Here are four things you may not know about pediatric dental care:

1. Kids should brush their teeth for two minutes.

Most people don't brush their teeth for long enough, and kids are no exception. Your child may be tempted to rush through their tooth care routine, in order to get back to playing, faster. You can help by making teeth brushing fun. Find a song that's two minutes long and play it each time your child brushes their teeth. It will help your child keep track of the time and make brushing a little more interesting.

2. Kids should floss beneath their gum lines.

Floss is useful for getting stubborn food particles out from between teeth. However, it also has another important function: floss allows your child to clean beneath their gum line to remove plaque and bacteria. Teach your child the right way to floss. They should gently sweep the floss around the base of their tooth, using a new section of floss for each tooth. You may want to supervise your child during flossing time, at first, so you can make sure they're doing it correctly.

3. Kids should see a pediatric dentist.

Everyone needs to go to the dentist at least twice a year. This allows your dentist to perform a basic cleaning which can remove tartar and prevent cavities. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist can help them feel more comfortable. Kids' dentists have smaller tools that fit more easily into child-sized mouths. They also have excellent, child-friendly techniques that can make your child's next dentist visit fun.

4. Kids can get dental sealants.

Cavity prevention is one of the most important aspects of dental health. Dental sealants can help you achieve that goal. A sealant is a thin layer of plastic that adheres to the chewing surface of teeth, preventing cavities from forming. This is particularly useful for children who might not be able to brush their teeth as effectively as adults. Dental sealants can last for years, which makes them a solid investment. If you think dental sealants would benefit your child, discuss them with your pediatric dentist, at your child's next appointment.

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