Oral Hygiene Basics: Good Habits To Maintain

Keeping up with oral hygiene basics can prevent cavities and other issues with your child's teeth. Proper daily care can also stop discoloration of the teeth and reduce bad breath. Here are some dental habits that kids can benefit from as part of a daily routine.

Brushing properly

One of the most important parts of oral hygiene is regular teeth brushing. Kids should brush twice a day for approximately two minutes each time. It is important to use a toothbrush in good condition and replace it when the bristles start to fray or warp. Toothpaste should include fluoride as a key ingredient.

The proper brushing technique involves making a lot of small circular movements with the toothbrush and taking the time to cover the entire mouth. It is important to clean around the gums, but kids should avoid pressing too hard, as that can cause bleeding and other damage. The tongue should also be regularly brushed, as it is a common area for bacteria to linger.

Flossing regularly

In addition to brushing twice daily, flossing at least once daily is one of the oral hygiene basics for maintaining healthy teeth. It can be challenging to get a child to floss regularly. Some things that can help is letting your child choose a flavored floss or flossing with your child so they can mirror your behavior.

Our pediatric dentist can offer further suggestions on how to get your child into the habit of flossing. When flossing, it is important not to press too hard on the gums. Instead, one should focus on moving the floss between every tooth to clean the spaces and prevent bacteria growth. Making flossing a daily habit is equally important to brushing for preventing dental health issues.

Attending checkups consistently

Regular checkups are another important aspect of oral hygiene basics. Routine cleaning and examinations from a dentist help catch any problems with dental health early on. Like adults, children should see a dentist about once every six months. Children should begin seeing a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or by one year of age. A pediatric dentist can help keep children comfortable during these visits and get them excited about dental health.

Using mouthwash

While not as important as regular brushing and flossing, oral hygiene basics can also include the use of mouthwash. Generally, choosing a mouthwash should involve looking for one that includes fluoride, which can help prevent cavities. Even after brushing and flossing, there may be small pieces of food left behind. Mouthwash rinses away anything that remains and can be a great final step of a daily dental care routine. However, it is important to note that mouthwash use is not recommended for children under age six.