Family Dentist: 4 Important Tips for Kids’ Oral Hygiene

You are about to take your kids to the family dentist, and you want them to make a great first impression. That means they need to have healthy teeth and gums. Even if they are off to a late start, you can get them back on track by following these oral hygiene tips.

1. Follow proper brushing protocol

Children should brush their teeth twice a day. A family dentist would recommend holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so they can properly brush every tooth's surface.

Children should use up-and-down and back-and-forth motions while brushing their teeth. They need to gently brush their gums and tongues as well.

Play the two-minute game

Many children brush their teeth quickly, but it is important to brush for at least two minutes. Parents are encouraged to find a children’s song that lasts two minutes. Play it when kids brush their teeth, and when it hits the last note, the task is done. This makes the process more enjoyable for kids

2. Select a toothpaste with fluoride

Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for all people, including kids who are just starting to brush their teeth. Approximately 25 percent of kids get cavities before kindergarten. Using a fluoride toothpaste can reduce that statistic, according to the American Dental Association.

3. Protect teeth from sugar

Sugar can do serious damage to teeth. When kids eat lots of sugar, they are prone to tooth decay. Kids need to avoid eating sugary snacks throughout the day. Replacing such snacks with healthy items, like carrots, is a great way to impress the family dentist.

What if kids cannot live without sugar?

If kids simply cannot live without sugar, there are ways they can enjoy the sweet stuff while protecting their teeth. For example, eating sugar at mealtime is better than eating it at snack time. Mouths produce more saliva at mealtime, reducing the power of the sugar.

Adding dairy into the diet also helps. Children who drink milk and eat cheese with sweets are less likely to get cavities.

4. Floss the teeth

Children should begin flossing their teeth between the ages of two and three. Kids should floss every day, and the process should last two to three minutes.

Proper flossing technique

Children should start with an 18-inch piece of floss. They need to wrap it around the middle finger of each hand. Using the thumbs and forefingers, they need to maneuver the floss up and down in between each tooth.

It is important that children use a clean piece of floss for each tooth. Otherwise, they will deposit bacteria in between their teeth.

Get kids involved in their oral health

Parents should not wait until their kids are older to begin an oral hygiene routine. As any family dentist would say, it is important that children begin brushing and flossing as soon as the first tooth erupts. Children also must use toothpaste with fluoride and avoid sugary foods and drinks to maintain oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist.

Recent Posts

5 Issues A Family Dentist Can Help You With

Routine dental checkups are just as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to oral health. Visiting a family dentist is a smart and convenient option that can provide a number of important advantages for the whole family and help to ensure you all maintain healthy teeth and gums.Some people may assume that there…

When Seeing A Family Dentist Is Recommended

There are numerous reasons to see a family dentist. This dental professional provides a variety of services that prevent and treat dental issues. If problems with the gums or teeth go untreated, they can quickly lead to bigger issues that can even affect the entire body. Visiting a dentist when symptoms first appear is always…

Does A Family Dentist In Sacramento Offer Tooth Whitening Procedures?

You are unhappy with the stains on your teeth and you want to know if you can get a tooth whitening procedure at your family dentist in Sacramento. Family dentists offer professional teeth whitening services and you can brighten your smile in a single visit. Learn more about tooth whitening at the family dentist.Dentists use…

Dental Emergencies: What To Do For Broken Teeth

Worried about dental emergencies and what you should do if one occurs? Continue reading to find out more. Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when they involve a broken tooth. However, it is important to know that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of a lot of different treatments to address and treat dental…

Recent Posts

Consult A Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers

Consult A Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers

Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin shells fit over the fronts of the teeth, improving their appearance for years to come. If you have been considering veneers, here are some common signs that it is time to consult a cosmetic dentist.Perhaps the most well-known reason people…

Can Cosmetic Dentist Help You Get Straighter Smile?

Can Cosmetic Dentist Help You Get Straighter Smile?

A cosmetic dentist can help improve all aspects of a smile's appearance, including alignment. They can offer a few treatments to straighten the teeth or make them appear straighter. If you are considering seeing a cosmetic dentist about your smile alignment, here is more about their services.Before discussing how a cosmetic dentist straightens teeth, it…