Back-to-School Oral Health Checklist
It’s almost the start of a new school year and while new clothes and school supplies are top of mind, don’t forget about your kids’ oral health! Add these dental tips to your back-to-school checklist and start the school year off with a healthy smile. 1. Schedule a Dental Visit Preventive appointments that check for oral health risk factors should be a part of every child’s back-to-school routine. Having a healthy smile can help improve kids’ concentration and performance in the classroom and may help reduce school absences. In some states, dental exams are required before the start of the school year. 2. Make Brushing and Flossing Fun Just like eating breakfast, brushing and flossing are an essential part of your child’s morning routine. Help them understand its importance by making the experience enjoyable with these simple tips: Turn on their favorite music to keep them engaged. Keep a daily […]
Form Oral Health Habits with Children
Establishing healthy dental habits early on can set your child up for better oral and overall health throughout their life. Protect your child’s smile by helping them practice preventive care. Caring for Baby Teeth Did you know that baby teeth need similar dental care as adult teeth? When baby teeth first appear between 6 and 12 months, that’s a sign to schedule a dental visit for your child. Tooth decay can occur as soon as baby teeth appear, so don’t delay in assisting your child with preventive care, including brushing their teeth twice a day. Simply follow the recommended practices and use a child-size toothbrush and pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Once your child can brush their teeth without assistance, continue to supervise their daily routine to make sure they follow proper brushing techniques. While you aid your child’s oral health, keep an eye on other normal behaviors, such as […]
Battle of the Brushes: Electric vs. Manual
Good oral health starts with practicing daily habits –– such as brushing and flossing your teeth. Following the recommended brush time of two minutes twice daily adds up to 1,460 minutes spent brushing your teeth each year –– or more than one full day of brushing. That’s why it’s important to find a toothbrush that feels comfortable and works best for you. Understanding the differences between manual and electric toothbrushes is key to keeping your smile healthy. Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes Plentiful options: Manual toothbrushes come in a variety of colors, sizes and bristle options. Inexpensive: The average toothbrush costs a fraction of its electric counterpart and can be found at almost any grocery store, convenience store or pharmacy. Many dentist offices offer complimentary toothbrushes during your appointments. No batteries or charging: Besides toothpaste, there’s nothing else to remember. Drawbacks: Proper technique: With manual toothbrushes, you get out what you put in. In other […]
Inspire your kids to care for their smiles
When it comes to dental care habits for children, a little fun can go a long way. By adding some extra excitement into their oral hygiene routine, you can help motivate them to keep their smile healthy throughout childhood and the rest of their lifetime. Reward them for successes Whether your child remembered to floss or said no to sugar at a sleepover, small rewards can be a big boost for good oral health behavior. Read them their favorite book or two before bed if they brushed for the full two minutes. Or set up a reward chart and add a fun sticker every time they remember to floss without a reminder throughout the week. Find hygiene tools that make them smile Children need basic tooth care tools and supplies like a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste and toothbrush holder. But no one said those tools have to be boring. Choose brushes […]
Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Oral Health
Helping your child develop good oral health habits not only benefits their smile, but is also vital to their overall well-being. Cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases among children. If a cavity, or other oral health issue, remains untreated, it can cause discomfort and affect common tasks like eating, speaking and even learning in school. Teaching your child how to properly care for their teeth as well as visiting the dentist regularly ensures that your child keeps their teeth healthy for a lifetime. We’ve put together a list of ten common questions asked about children’s oral health. 1. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth? You can start good oral health habits from birth. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or gauze after feedings. Once teeth emerge, you can use an infant tooth brush and a tiny amount (a smear the size of […]
