Teaching your child to practice good oral hygiene basics is essential for setting them up for lifelong oral health. Here are four important ways children can maintain good oral health.
Pediatric dentists recommend kids brush their teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each session. Brushing removes food particles left behind after eating and removes plaque, a sticky substance that can accumulate, harden, and lead to dental problems if not taken care of promptly. Manual toothbrushes with soft bristles are the ideal tools for brushing, along with toothpaste containing fluoride. Proper brushing techniques include:
Kids should floss once daily, slowly and carefully, so as not to agitate the gums. Flossing removes food and plaque between the teeth in places kids cannot reach by brushing. Floss comes in varying flavors to make flossing more fun for children.
Practicing good oral hygiene can be as simple as drinking enough daily water. Water washes away food particles left behind from snacks and meals while promoting saliva production. Saliva in the mouth helps protect the teeth from issues such as cavities and infections. However, the amount of water recommended varies by the child’s age.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids ages 1-3 should drink 4 cups of beverages daily, including water and milk. Five cups are recommended for children 4-6, and seven to eight cups are recommended for older children. In addition, children should be encouraged to drink water in place of sugary sodas. Parents are encouraged to speak to their pediatrician or pediatric dentist about specific recommendations for their child.
Children should visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. A dental exam includes checking for cavities and other oral problems before they turn into something more serious. Kids should also get x-rays of their teeth every two to three years, even if their teeth are otherwise healthy, to identify any possible issues that cannot be seen on the surface of the teeth. These regular dental visits should start within six months of the child’s first tooth eruption or by one year of age.
Sugar helps feed the bacteria that live in the mouth and contributes to plaque forming on the surfaces of the teeth. Reducing sugar intake helps maintain a healthy oral environment. Acidic foods and drinks can eventually lead to erosion of the enamel of the teeth when consumed in large amounts over time. Drinking water and brushing can reduce some of the adverse effects of sugar and acid, but it is advisable to avoid these substances in the first place.
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Practicing these simple oral hygiene basics can prevent serious issues with oral health. By teaching children proper oral healthcare, parents can help them develop and maintain healthy smiles. For more advice on how to help teach children good oral health, call our team today.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Oral hygiene basics are the foundation of a child’s oral health. This article will review how practicing oral hygiene basics will keep your child’s teeth healthy so they can serve them well for a lifetime.One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is brushing regularly. Pediatric dentists will recommend brushing a minimum of twice…
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
Oral hygiene basics are the foundation of a child’s oral health. This article will review how practicing oral hygiene basics will keep your child’s teeth healthy so they can serve them well for a lifetime.One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is brushing regularly. Pediatric dentists will recommend brushing a minimum of twice…
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…