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As top pediatric dentists in New York, Dr. Best and Dr. Ashrafi care tremendously for the dental health of the children they serve. It may surprise you to learn that the most common chronic childhood disease is tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control had concluded that one in every five children in the US has an untreated cavity. That’s shocking – even to us! What’s even more surprising is that nearly 100% of those cavities are preventable. Here are four quick tips that your child can follow this year to stay cavity free:
Regular brushing is the single greatest factor in determining whether your child will have cavities. Unfortunately skipping brushing is all too easy - whether that be in a rushed morning before school, or late at night when your child is tired and forgets. Consider using a chart to track and reward regular brushing, along with small gifts like stickers given at specific milestones. You might also consider using an app to time brushing or watching one of the many videos on YouTube designed to time tooth brushing at exactly 2 minutes.
Did you know that brushing alone leaves nearly 1/3 of tooth surfaces untouched? Flossing is the best way to reach those hard to get to areas of the mouth. Children should begin flossing as soon as two teeth meet side-by-side. Parents can help and should continue to floss for their children until they’re old enough and have the dexterity required.
Statistics show that kids are drinking more water, which is great! However, one of the greatest advances in oral health is public fluoridated water supplied and unfortunately most bottled water doesn’t contain it. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven to dramatically reduce cavities. It’s been safely added to New York water supplies since 1065! This year, commit to saving a plastic bottle and getting fluoride through tap water.
Is it time to catch up on an appointment? We would love to see you at our 180 West End Ave office. Dr. Best and Dr. Ashrafi along with our incredible team would love to sit down with you and your child to discuss ways to prevent cavities and continue a lifetime of positive oral health. Request an appointment today!
By Jed M. Best, DDS, MS, & Jerry Ashrafi, DMD, MA PLLC
January 3, 2020
Our mission at Jed M. Best, DDS, MS, & Jerry Ashrafi, DMD, MA PLLC is to deliver happiness through the creation and maintenance of healthy and beautiful smiles.
