(435) 215-1654
1150 S Bluff St #1 St. George, UT 84770

Healthy Habits For Kids from Platinum Dental of St. George

As parents, we want nothing but the best for our children, and their dental health is no exception. From the importance of starting good oral habits to making brushing and flossing fun, here at [Office_Name] we’re excited to share practical tips and tricks to engage your kids in their dental routines. On this page we also cover the significance of a balanced diet for strong teeth and the benefits of regular dental check-ups.

Together we can empower your little ones with a foundation of great habits and give them the gift of optimal oral health for their entire lives! If you have any questions or concerns please call today at (435) 215-1654.

Habits for Healthy Smiles for Your Little Ones

Building Healthy Smiles

As a parent, it’s essential to understand that your child’s dental health is vital for their overall well-being. Visiting a dentist and establishing good oral habits from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles and can create a comfortable relationship between your child and their dentist. As your partner in providing this foundational oral care for your children our team is passionate about helping little ones feel comfortable and answering any questions you have about keeping your kids’ dental health in tiptop shape.

The Importance of Kids Dental Care

Let’s begin by appreciating how important it is to start early with oral hygiene practices. The truth is, the best prevention your child has against dental issues later in life is to have fantastic dental habits established while they are young.  When your child understands that their smile requires the same conscious care as their muscles or brain, it’s much easier to avoid dental decay and gum disease. 

How to Make Brushing and Flossing Fun For Children

As any parent knows, getting kids excited about brushing and flossing can be a challenge. But when you’re ready to get creative and have fun with your oral care routines it can be engaging and very rewarding for your little ones. Here are a couple of easy suggestions we find can be very effective:

  • Buy a colorful toothbrush or pick their favorite TV character to make the toothbrush attractive.
  • Try playing or singing fun songs while you brush, this can make it much easier to get the full two minutes in.
  • Let them brush your teeth, or get a plastic action figure/doll whose teeth they can get excited about brushing.
  • Try different flavors of toothpaste.

Again, it’s best to think outside the box and never make brushing feel like a punishment or chore. Rather, focus on how enjoyable it is to be healthy. 

What are the best and worst foods for promoting healthy teeth and gums in children?

A well-balanced diet is not only essential for your child’s overall health but also for their dental health. Let’s talk about the best and worst foods for promoting strong teeth and gums while also discussing foods to limit or avoid to prevent cavities.

The best foods:

  • Dairy products like cheese and butter are excellent foods for strong teeth because of their calcium content and fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Raw vegetables, like carrots and broccoli, have great fiber content, lots of vitamins and minerals, but they also have textural benefits. Strong teeth need to chew on tough fibrous foods.
  • Apples can stimulate the gums, and promote healthy bacteria growth. 
  • Eggs and yogurt are great for protein and calcium.

Foods to avoid:

  • Chewy candy- which sticks to the teeth and gums with sugars that encourage bad bacteria growth. 
  • Sugary drinks often have little nutritional value but encourage cavities. 
  • Citrus is highly acidic and too much over time can actually eat away the enamel.

Regular Dental Check-ups and What to Expect

Regular dental check-ups are a crucial part of maintaining your child’s oral health and they aren’t too different from a dental check-up for adults. We conduct an examination of the teeth, gums, and jaw bones making sure that the bite is lining up properly and that the child has no negative conditions developing. Then we will probably conduct a cleaning of the teeth including brushing, polishing, and even administering fluoride treatments. Our team is especially dedicated to the comfort of our smallest patients and will do everything we can to help every member of your family feel safe and empowered for their best oral health.

Come To Platinum Dental of St. George For the Best Pediatric Dental Care in St. George UT!

From our team of caring professionals to our expert training, we are here to support your child’s healthy dental journey every step of the way. We prioritize education and prevention, ensuring that your child learns the importance of oral health while fostering a positive relationship with dentistry. Contact us at (435) 215-1654 to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll nurture your child’s smile and set them on the path to a lifetime of excellent dental health. (435) 215-1654

Frequently Asked Questions

It is recommended to take your child for their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Early dental check-ups help detect any potential issues and establish a positive relationship with the dentist.

Children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. This frequency allows the dentist to monitor their oral health and provide preventive care to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

To ease any dental anxiety, choose a pediatric dentist experienced in working with children. Also, encourage your child to talk openly about their feelings and prepare them for the visit with positive and age-appropriate explanations.

Lead by example and make oral care a fun family activity. Brush and floss together, using child-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste. Use a timer or sing a song to make brushing for two minutes enjoyable.

Dental X-rays for children are safe, and the radiation exposure is minimal. Dentists use lead aprons and high-speed film to further reduce radiation exposure during the X-ray process.

Yes, fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children over the age of two. However, only use a small amount, about the size of a grain of rice, to prevent swallowing.

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. They are especially beneficial for children who may have difficulty reaching deep grooves with their toothbrushes.

Encourage a balanced diet low in sugary snacks and drinks. Limit juice consumption and avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle. Regular brushing and flossing, along with dental check-ups, are key to cavity prevention.

In case of a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately. If your child has a knocked-out tooth, rinse it gently, place it back into the socket if possible, or keep it in milk until you reach the dental office.

Baby teeth, or primary teeth, usually start falling out around the age of six or seven. The process continues until around age 12 or 13 when all permanent teeth have come in.

What Do Our Patient Say?

This has been a great experience for us with our first child’s braces. The team is organized, thorough, friendly, and professional. All of our appointments are on-time and efficient. We have seen great results so far in our son’s teeth.

Kayla B.

This is our second child to have gotten braces from -Orthodontics in Provo. We love going to them! We have one more child to get braces and we will definitely be coming back to this office! Dr. -- does a fantastic job.

Brian Z.

This has been a great experience for us with our first child’s braces. The team is organized, thorough, friendly, and professional. All of our appointments are on-time and efficient. We have seen great results so far in our son’s teeth.

Tim H.

BOOKING HOURS

M 8-5 | Tu 7-7 | Wed 8-5 | Th 7-7 | Fr 7-3

We are OPEN for ALL dental care procedures and emergency needs. Protecting the health and safety of our patients, families, and team members remains our number one priority.

Free $50 Gift Card*

$50 Gift Card when you complete an appointment with us!

*Redeemable after completed paid treatment. Must be a new patient our organization (all locations). The patient will receive a gift card via email or SMS after completion of their appointment. Cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans.

Free Exam & X-rays^

For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!

^For New Patients that do not have dental insurance. New patients must be 18 or older to receive free exam and x-rays. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans. Additional fees may be included in individual cases.

$99 Hygiene Visit^^

For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!

^^For new patients without dental insurance. Includes Exam, X-Ray and Routine Cleaning. A Periodontal Cleaning requires additional fees, and rescheduled for further treatment. Cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans.

Platinum Dental of St. George

Hours

M 8-5 | Tu 7-7 | Wed 8-5 | Th 7-7 | Fr 7-3

Contact

1150 S Bluff St #1

St. George, UT 84770

(435) 215-1654

Special offers for Gift Cards and Teeth Whitening require new patients to complete an appointment. Offers cannot be combined, are limited to one per patient, and must be used within one year of your first appointment. If you’re a new patient without insurance, you may qualify for free exams and X-rays. Please note, additional appointments may be necessary for optimal dental care. We have a cancellation policy in place requiring 48-hours notice for regular appointments and 4 business-days for specialists. Non-compliance incurs a $50 fee for standard appointments and $150 for specialty appointments.