Dental Hygiene Essentials

 Keeping your children’s teeth healthy is a top priority. Partnering with Dr. John Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ is a great step at promoting good dental hygiene and habits in your kids from an early age.

 

Dental Hygiene Essentials

One of the first steps to take in promoting dental hygiene is to ensure you have the necessary supplies on hand. These include an age-appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. When your children are old enough – usually around the age of six – you can add mouthwash to the list.

 

Dental Hygiene Tips and Recommendations From Your Phoenix, AZ Dentist

Purchasing these items and having them on hand is just one part of the equation. Getting your child to use them willingly is an entirely different story. However, Dr. Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion have a few tips and tricks to help.

Take Your Kids Shopping With You

Children tend to get a little more excited about using things that they pick out. Instead of going shopping for them, let them go with you. Allow them to pick out their favorite toothbrush and choose the flavor of toothpaste they want to use. They’ll be more likely to willingly use bubble gum flavored toothpaste than a minty one.

Make It Easy

No one wants to do anything that’s too difficult. Flossing with traditional floss can be a bit tricky – especially for younger children. Make it easier for them by purchasing child-size flossers. Instead of having to worry about wrapping floss around their little fingers, they can just pick the yucky stuff out from between their teeth in a few seconds.

Also, be sure that their toothbrush is the right size for their mouth. Having one that’s too large can keep them from getting every spot. Steps like these not only make it easier but also help them do a better job.

Make It Fun

Proper dental hygiene requires brushing for two full minutes. This can seem endless and absolutely boring to a child. Try making it fun by using a brushing app or finding a two-minute video clip that they can enjoy. You might also use a chart and stickers for rewards.

 

 

For additional dental hygiene tips and recommendations or for a dental check-up, schedule an appointment with Dr. Graneto at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, AZ by texting (623) 232-0749 for the N. 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the N. 24th Street office, or (480) 405-4714 for the Baseline Road location.

What is a Panorex?

Keep your children’s smiles bright and healthy with panorex X-rays and routine dental care with the help of Dr. John Graneto at Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ.

 

What Is Panorex?

There are several types of X-rays used to get a view of your child’s oral health – panorex is one of them. It is a comprehensive, panoramic X-ray that provides a look at the entire mouth. It includes the jaws, teeth, and nasal areas as well as the surrounding tissues.

Such a view gives Dr. Graneto at Kids Connextion a full understanding of several dental components, including how teeth are developing, eruption patterns of the teeth, missing teeth, the health of the jaws, and more. Through this understanding, he is empowered to make more accurate decisions on necessary treatments and preventative maintenance steps that should be taken.

 

When Do Kids Need a Panorex X-Ray in Phoenix, AZ?

Children need X-rays throughout their childhood to ensure everything is going well. There is not typically a one-size-fits-all schedule for any type of X-ray as they go by the child’s needs and risk level of developing cavities.

With most children, the first panorex will be taken around the age of twelve, as this is when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. However, if there seems to be any issues with their dental health before then, Dr. Graneto may suggest one earlier.

Under most circumstances, the next time your child will need a panoramic X-ray is around the age of 17. If they need braces or other procedures, they’ll likely need another panorex.

 

What About Radiation?

It’s a common concern that radiation exposure could harm children during X-rays. However, steps are taken to minimize any risks. Modern equipment is utilized that uses the lowest amount of radiation possible and finishes the job quickly. Additionally, children wear a lead apron during the process to ensure they receive maximum protection.

If it’s time for a check-up or you would like to know more about panorex X-rays in Phoenix, AZ, schedule an appointment with Dr. Graneto at Kids Connextion by texting (623) 223-1001 for the North 75th Avenue location, (480) 666-5984 for the North 24th Street location, or (480) 405-4714 for the East Baseline Road location.

Dental X-Rays in Phoenix, AZ

 If you’re looking to keep your children’s teeth as healthy as they can be, Dr. John Graneto offers gentle and effective care, including dental X-rays and treatments, at Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ to help you meet that goal.

 

Purpose of Dental X-rays for Kids in Phoenix, AZ

Throughout childhood, your children will need to get dental x-rays. While this is a common procedure, many parents wonder what the purpose of these X-rays could be, especially if their children have had no dental issues. This is an understandable concern, but X-rays play a vital role in maintaining healthy teeth.

With these images, Dr. Graneto at Kids Connextion can get a full view of your child’s dental anatomy, ensuring that there are no potential problems that could cause issues in the future. They allow him to monitor your child’s oral development, pinpointing any issues that need to be addressed.

Additionally, it helps him to spot cavities that may not be seen by the naked eye. Through all of this, Dr. Graneto is able to address current and potential issues, helping your child to achieve and maintain oral health.

There are several types of X-rays to help your dentist get a full view. These include panoramic X-rays, periapical X-rays that focus on the front teeth, and bitewing X-rays that focus on the back teeth. The type your child needs will usually depend on their age and whether their permanent teeth have come through.

 

How Often Do Children Need X-rays?

As children’s mouths are still growing and changing, they typically need more X-rays than adults. However, the exact number of times they need them will vary between children.

In general, children will need a dental X-ray every six to 36 months. Those at high risk for tooth decay will typically fall closer to the six-month period, while those with low risk do not need them as often.

Dr. Graneto will be happy to discuss the frequency with you and answer any questions you might have. However, it’s important to understand that your child’s needs will change over time. While they may not need frequent X-rays now, that might change as they grow if their risk level changes.

Set your child up for dental success. Visit Dr. Graneto at Kids Connextion in Phoenix, AZ for dental X-rays and regular cleanings. You can schedule an appointment at the North 75th Avenue location at (623) 232-0749, the North 24th Street location at (480) 666-5984, or the East Baseline Road location at (480) 405-4714.