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| |    Taking Care of Your School-Age Child's Teeth by Amy A. Napierala, D.D.S. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Around the time your child enters kindergarten, he should begin to assume some of the responsibility for his own dental care. Still, you should keep in mind that most school-age children do not have adequate coordination to clean many hard-to-reach spots in their mouths until they are approximately eight or nine years old. It is therefore very important for parents to supervise brushing and help with at least one cleaning each day to make sure plaque doesn't build up. When your child is in charge, having a timer or a clock in the bathroom may help him not rush through the process--remember, it takes at least two full minutes to brush thoroughly. Keep in mind that he'll still likely to need your help--or at least your encouragement--to floss once a day. Regular checkups are a must In addition to supervising routine maintenance at home, make sure to schedule twice-yearly dental checkups. These visits allow your child's dental hygienist or dentist to thoroughly clean his teeth and evaluate the development of his teeth, jaw, and bite. They also will go over healthy eating choices and reinforce the proper techniques for oral care. Starting approximately around seven years old, some children may require a consultation with an orthodonist. Your pediatric dentist can help identify any developing problems early on and get them started with the appropriate treatment they'll need for a healthy bite and a winning smile.
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