Helping Your Kids Brush And Floss
Do your kids brush and floss each day? Do they take time to brush for at least two minutes? In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about how to help protect little smiles from cavities and gingivitis with regular daily care. Understanding this can help little smiles stay bright, healthy, and strong!
When to Care for Teeth
You should begin cleaning your child’s teeth the second they erupt, as even babies could develop tooth decay from the sugars left behind by milk. For babies, you can clean teeth with a cloth or toothbrush that fits over your finger. As they grow into toddlers, they can upgrade to an age-appropriate toothbrush, and kids three and under should use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Children over the age of three need a pea-sized amount. They will need to care for their teeth every day. You can assist them in the early years, and monitor them as they grow. Timing them can help, and you can find fun songs or videos, or even a sand timer, to make sure they clean their teeth for two minutes!
Brushing Teeth
Children need to brush when they wake up and then again before going to bed, with each session taking no less than two minutes. They can use a manual or electric toothbrush, depending on which they prefer. This helps remove stray food particles from the smile before bacteria can break them down, limiting the severity of plaque buildup and lowering the risk of cavities and other oral health concerns.
Flossing Nightly
As soon as there are teeth sitting side-by-side, your kids need to floss between them. Flossing reaches what a toothbrush’s bristles alone cannot, cleaning between the teeth and along the gum line to extract trapped food and drink particles. You can floss for young kids with a pick, and older kids can sue tape or string. Be sure to run the floss up and down each side of every tooth, and dip below the gum line when you do.
Every six months, you should bring your child in for a checkup and cleaning, so we can monitor the teeth and gums, and also remove all plaque and tartar. Good homecare and regular checkups and cleanings can help kids enjoy good oral health and brighter smiles. If you have any questions about caring for teeth from home, or about our preventive visits and treatment options, then give us a call.
Your Dallas, TX, Dentist Discusses Good Oral Health
We want you and your children to have the information to protect smiles from cavities and more. If you have any questions about how to care for teeth and gums each day, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Family Dentistry