While it can be a hard skill to instill, brushing and flossing is vital for your child's oral health.
Along with teaching your children healthy habits like eating right and exercising, every parent should focus on teaching their kids to brush and floss properly. Here is a brief oral health guide for children of all ages:
Babies: Infants need dental care, even before their teeth actually break through. To clean milk residue and bacteria off of the gums, wipe your infant's gums with a clean, moist washcloth twice a day.
Toddlers: The American Dental Association recommends having your child visit the dentist by the time their first tooth comes in, or by the time they turn one—whichever comes first. After your child's teeth break through, use an infant's toothbrush and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste to brush your toddler's teeth twice a day.
School-Age Children: As soon as kids are capable of brushing on their own, remind them to brush in the morning and before bed. If possible, check their teeth to make sure they are being brushed properly.
Teens: Teenagers who have orthodontic accessories like braces or retainers need to take extra special care of their teeth. In addition to using a special toothpaste made for braces, teens should be flossing carefully daily to keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay.
If you are concerned about how to care for your child's teeth, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment. Our pediatric dentists can talk with you and your child to determine the right daily oral hygiene routine for your kid's individual needs.
Tips for Making Brushing & Flossing Fun for Kids
Do your children groan about their daily oral hygiene regimen? To make brushing and flossing more enjoyable, try these helpful tips:
Let them choose their supplies: Instead of shopping for your child's toothbrush and paste, let them participate in choosing their supplies. Let your kid choose their favorite cartoon toothbrush, or those dental picks that come in bright colors. They might cost a little more, but if you can get your child excited about dental care, those fun items might pay for themselves in the long run.
Try plaque detection tablets: Plaque detection tablets are non-toxic tablets that are designed to stick to plaque and tartar accumulations. After a child chews a tablet, they can easily see areas that need more attention and they can focus on scrubbing away the grime. Tablets are available in a range of colors, so your child can enjoy neon green or hot pink teeth for a few minutes.
Download an app: If your child responds well to video games, look for a dental care app. Some apps work in tandem with newer powered toothbrushes, so your child can “brush away the bad guys” while they clean their teeth at night.
Also, remember that regular dental exams are crucial. When our pediatric dentists have the opportunity to visit with your child regularly, they can screen for issues, talk about dental hygiene routines, and even offer preventive measures, such as dental sealants.
Our pediatric specialists can help!
To schedule your child for a preventive cleaning and exam, please contact us to schedule an appointment. During the appointment, we’ll share helpful tips and tricks for brushing and flossing - and we’ll make it fun! Lancaster Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to making dental visits easy, fun and enjoyable for kids of all ages.
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