Oral Health Tips for Children’s Dental Health Month

February is Children’s Dental Health Month and the perfect time to talk to your kids about the importance of taking care of their teeth. Laying the foundations for great oral health now could help your child to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, attractive teeth.

 

Here are our top oral health tips to talk about with your child.

 

Make Sure Your Child Brushes Their Teeth Twice Every Day

We know that getting children to cooperate isn’t always easy and some days, it may be tempting to let routine slide. Nevertheless, brushing really is the best way to protect your child’s teeth against harmful plaque that continually forms on them and increases their risk of developing decay and gum disease. Choose a toothbrush with a small head that they will find easier to move around inside their mouths, and always use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush the faces carefully, paying special attention to where the teeth meet the gums. And remember to brush twice every day, once after breakfast and again before bed for the best protection.

 

Limit Your Child’s Sugar Intake

Most kids have a sweet tooth and unfortunately for many, candy and sweet foods and drinks become the norm rather than occasional treats. However, it’s the sugar that causes the most damage to our teeth. When sugars found in the food and drink that we consume interact with the bacteria that naturally occur in our mouths they form plaque – the clear, sticky substance that constantly forms on our teeth. You can feel plaque when you run your tongue over your teeth, which will feel slippery when coated. Plaque contains acids that eat away at the enamel of our teeth, causing spots of decay. The bacteria within plaque can also spread onto the gum tissue where it causes irritation and infection that precedes gum disease. Limiting your child’s sugar intake will automatically help to reduce their risk of dental problems.

 

Teach Your Child to Floss as Soon as They are Able

Flossing is an integral part of a great oral hygiene routine, yet it is often overlooked because people find it fiddly and time consuming. The reason it is so important is because flossing helps to remove the tiny particles of food and any plaque that may have developed in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. And since this can happen at any age, it’s best if your child learns to floss as soon as they are able. Conventional string floss can be tricky to get the hang of, but fortunately, there are other options available that can make flossing easier. These include interdental brushes and water flossers which are simpler to use and can make flossing fun.

 

Try and Discourage Habits That Could Damage Your Child’s Dental Health

Everyone develops habits during their lifetime, and there are some habits that are particularly common amongst children that can be bad for their teeth. These include sucking on a bottle at night, using a sippy cup constantly, persistent pacifier use, thumb sucking, and nail biting. Your pediatric or family dentist will be happy to give you some advice to help you support your child in kicking these bad habits or even to prevent them from forming in the first place.

 

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The American Dental Association recommends that all kids visit the dentist within 6 months of their first tooth appearing, and at least every 6 months from that point onwards. This enables your dentist to keep a very close eye on the development of your child’s teeth and jaw, regularly assessing for signs of decay or gum disease and providing early intervention in the event of a problem being identified. Your pediatric or family dentist will also be able to provide preventative treatments, such as dental sealants or fluoride coatings, which will help to keep your child’s teeth healthier for longer.

 

Learn more oral health tips for your child, contact The Center of Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at (850) 810-0300, (850) 409-6400, or (850) 810-0600.