4. Your child’s teeth can’t pass the “squeak test.”
Have your child wet his or her finger and rub it quickly across the outside and inside of his or her teeth. If the teeth are clean, you will hear a squeaking sound.
5. Your child’s tongue is white.
Proper brushing includes brushing the tongue. A clean tongue appears pink. A white tongue means there is still bacteria lurking on it.
6. The dental floss never seems to run out.
Your child should floss once a day. To see if that's actually happening, check the bathroom trash for used floss. Or buy your own floss at the same time as you buy your child's. When yours runs out, your child's should be nearly gone, too. If not, it could mean your child isn't using floss -- or isn't flossing daily.
7. Your child’s breath is anything but fresh.
If your child is brushing and flossing regularly, his or her breath should be pleasant. The foul odor associated with bad breath is most often caused by food particles -- either food left in between teeth or food trapped in the grooves on the tongue.
8. Your child has a cavity.
Even if you can't tell if your child is brushing well, a dentist or pediatric dentist can spot any signs of trouble. This may include dental problems such as cavities or gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. In these cases, a tooth filling or gum disease treatment may be necessary to restore your child's smile.
Regular dental visits are a great opportunity for a professional teeth cleaning to remove dental plaque and tartar. Plus, a great dentist can help reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene with your child.
If you need help finding a trusted dentist for you or anyone in your family, give us a call!