You’re standing in the bathroom brushing your teeth when you suddenly notice your toddler standing in the doorway watching you. Giving her a smile, you finish caring for your pearly whites before patting the footstool for her to stand on. After putting a bit of toothpaste on her Cinderella toothbrush, she starts brushing away while you put on some music and start a dance party! This type of fun activity can inspire and encourage your children to maintain good oral hygiene. If you’re looking for other ideas to help ensure good habits, let a pediatric dentist share 4 ways you can help care for your child’s teeth and gums at home.
Brush Away the Bacteria: A Good Toothbrush
It’s important to remember that your child does not have permanent teeth. These baby teeth are just the precursors to adult ones, but that doesn’t mean they should be cared for any differently. Choosing the right toothbrush is crucial to ensuring good oral health for your child. When shopping, make sure you take note of brush head and handle. You don’t want the head of the brush to be too big for your child’s mouth, and you want them to be able to comfortably grip the handle.
Also, be sure to replace the toothbrush every six months, and make sure your child is brushing for two minutes twice a day.
Do Away with Decay: Dental Floss
While this may not be the most exciting activity for your child, it’s just as important as brushing. At least once a day, your kid should floss their teeth. Not only does this clean the space between the teeth, clearing out food debris, but it prevents bacteria from building around the gum line. For younger children, you might try a flatter dental floss or even floss picks.
Thwart Cavities: Fluoride Toothpaste
The American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpastes to prevent cavities and achieve a healthy smile. When shopping for a toothpaste for your child, make sure it is approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). You’ll know because it will have a seal of approval on the packaging.
Wash Out the Debris: Drinking Enough Water
Water with fluoride in it is not only the best for adults but for children, too! This hydrating liquid washes out any food particles that may be hiding in the mouth that can cause cavities or tooth decay. It also serves to encourage saliva production, which is crucial to keeping your child’s oral health top-notch! If your child is drinking too many sodas or juice, trade those cans and boxes for water to keep them hydrated and bacteria-free!
When scheduling an appointment with a dentist for toddlers, it may be beneficial to talk about useful items to have at home to care for your child’s teeth. It’s never too early to start instilling good oral hygiene habits in your children. Using the right tools and coming up with unique activities to make brushing and flossing fun are great ways to ensure your child has a clean and healthy mouth.
About the Practice
Treating infants, toddlers, and teenagers, Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is the ideal place for you to ensure your child’s oral health is on the right path! We provide comfort at every visit, and we provide the services your child needs to maintain a healthy and confident smile. To learn more about us, visit our website or call (469) 925-0861.