How Mom & Dad Can Influence Kids Dental Health
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for good dental health because it allows your dentist to spot early signs of gum disease and tooth decay. However, the steps you take at home are just as important in maintaining a healthy smile. Brushing and flossing correctly, thoroughly and often are the basics of a solid at-home dental health routine that parents can start to instill in their kids.
It is important for teeth to be thoroughly cleaned twice daily. Thorough and regular brushing can get rid of food particles that were trapped in between teeth, along with any sugary residue that coat it. Also, regular brushing helps break down plaque, which is a clear coating of bacteria covering the teeth. When left untreated, it can lead to the formation of cavities in the teeth that the dentist will have to fill in.
Proper Brushing Techniques
Aside from just brushing your teeth, you have to be mindful of the way you are brushing, along with its frequency. Brushing your teeth should be done using a soft-bristled brush in small circular motions. The brush should be angled at 45 degrees from the gum line. Ensure that you take the time to brush your teeth; do so for at least three minutes to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces, including the tongue and roof of the mouth.
Use a toothpaste that has fluoride that will strengthen the teeth and help prevent tooth enamel erosion and cavity formation. It is also important to take the time to brush the backs of the front teeth to help minimize tartar buildup, which is hardened plaque. Once tartar forms and hardens, a dental cleaning is the only method to get rid of it.
Effective Flossing Techniques
Flossing helps remove wedged-in food particles and bacteria in between teeth, which protects them from decay. Cleaning these areas between the teeth should be done using dental floss or any other interdental cleaner specifically recommended by the dentist. Similar to brushing the teeth, the right technique allows you to get the most out of flossing.
Dental floss has to be wound around the middle fingers and slowly slid in between teeth with the guidance of the thumbs and index fingers. Wrap the floss around a side of the tooth, slowly working it up and down a few times, and then floss on the other side. Using this motion, the sticky, bacteria-filled plaque accumulating in between teeth is removed, lowering the chances of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
General Tooth Care
Proper brushing and flossing are the main elements of good dental health for kids, although you can still take additional measures to ensure their health. Pediatric dentists in Washington Crossing suggest replacing your toothbrush once every four months. Aside from flossing and brushing, rinsing the mouth at every cleaning with fluoride or antibacterial mouth rinse can help keep the teeth white, healthy and bright.
Aside from teaching your kids the above techniques and ensuring that they incorporate these into their daily routines, also ensure that they regularly see the best kids dentist in Newtown PA at least twice a year. A good children’s dentist in Langhorne can provide your child more information and teachings to further encourage them to take care of their teeth.
