In February, dentists and oral healthcare professionals throughout the U.S. celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long observance highlights the importance of good oral hygiene for children. From sharing fun and unique ways to keep teeth clean to providing parents with helpful tips that ensure their little ones are brushing and flossing properly, here are 3 best practices you can start implementing at home.
Buy Your Child a New Toothbrush
Oral healthcare professionals recommend replacing your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months to prevent ineffective brushing caused by frayed bristles. This is also encouraged, as germs can accumulate and cause illness.
When it’s time to buy a new one, let your child come with you to the store. Seeing their favorite cartoon character, superhero, or princess on the packaging or brush can help motivate them to take care of their teeth. While there, you can also let them pick out their preferred toothpaste flavor. Just make sure it contains fluoride and is ADA approved.
Observe Your Child’s Brushing Habits
If your child is still young enough that you need to observe their morning and nighttime routines, make sure they are brushing correctly. This means they need to clean their teeth for a full two minutes. All surfaces must be brushed thoroughly but not aggressively.
Encouraging your children to let the brush do the work will reduce the amount of pressure they feel they need to apply when cleaning their teeth.
If necessary, don’t hesitate to use a small timer or create a game to ensure they brush for the correct amount of time.
Keep Your Child Hydrated
Fruit juices, sports drinks, sodas, and other similar beverages may be what your child craves, but the best option for their oral and overall health is water. Not only does it hydrate and prevent dry mouth, but it also rinses away residue left on their teeth after eating.
Drinking plenty of water helps stimulate saliva production, which is designed not only to flush away food and bacterial remnants but also neutralize harmful acids that can cause cavities.
There are just three of many tips you can use to keep your child’s oral hygiene and health in optimal shape. If you would like to learn more, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist.
About the Author
With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Linda Steele is a pediatric dentist who cares about her young patients’ smiles. Offering preventive services to minimize the risk of cavities and tooth decay, she and her team provide a compassionate, gentle approach at every visit. Children who attend can expect an enjoyable experience, and parents can expect helpful tips to make at-home habits easier. Visit our website or call (972) 640-7432 to schedule your child’s next appointment.