HELPING KIDS WITH ORAL HEALTH

Good oral hygiene is important for both children and adults. Here are five tips to help your children develop good oral hygiene habits.

• Start early

As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, it’s time to start brushing! It’s important to make this a daily habit. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles that are designed for babies and toddlers. Till the child is able to brush their teeth on their own, you should brush their teeth yourself. Also, ask their dentist about fluoride varnishes or sealants to protect teeth from cavities.

• Limit sugar

You should also limit sugar intake and avoid using bottles in your baby’s crib or bed to prevent tooth decay. Pacifiers can cause crooked teeth and speech impediments if they continually get used past the age of 3, so consider stopping their use before this time as well.

• Dental visits

In addition to at-home care, it is important to take your child to their dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. The dentist will be able to spot early signs of gum disease and other oral health issues that may require additional treatment. While prevention is ideal when it comes to keeping teeth and gums healthy, accidents are likely to occur, so it is important that patients know how to manage their problems when they arise.

How To Make Oral Hygiene Fun In Children?

When kids are having fun doing something, odds are they will continue to do it. When it comes to oral health and hygiene, it can be a good idea to make it fun so kids remain interested. Here are some ideas for doing this:

• Let them pick out their toothbrush or toothpaste at the store.
• Create a chart of stickers they can place on the chart each time they brush their teeth correctly.
• Play music while they brush their teeth, so they don’t get bored.
• Let them choose a flavored floss they like to use – strawberry, banana, bubblegum, etc.
• Compete with siblings to see who brushes and flosses their teeth every day.
• Let children use an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one.
• See who can spit the furthest distance when rinsing with water after brushing.
• Use a stopwatch to ensure they are brushing their teeth for two minutes each time.
• Create a list of songs that are two minutes long that they can listen to while brushing their teeth at the right pace.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 801-274-2500.