Oral Habits
Why Are Good Oral Habits Important For Kids?
The oral habits your child establishes when they're young will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Great at-home oral hygiene helps prevent common issues like gum disease and cavities, and sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Because of this, it’s really important to make sure your child brushes and flosses regularly, and comes into our office every 6 months for a checkup.
3 Steps Towards Awesome Oral Health
Brush Twice A Day For Two Minutes
As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, start brushing it with a dab of fluoride toothpaste. Once they’ve got all their teeth, make sure to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and clean each surface thoroughly. Kids can usually brush on their own around the age of 5-6, but you should keep an eye on them to make sure they're brushing consistently and doing a good job.
Floss Once Per Day
Once your child has all of their teeth, start flossing them once per day. Flossing removes bacteria and buildup between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach. Learning to floss properly can be tough for younger kids, so you may need to floss for them until they're around 10 years old.
Eat A Tooth-Healthy Diet
A healthy diet helps prevent common oral health problems like cavities. Your child should avoid sweet and sugary drinks and snacks. Encourage them to eat things like cheese, yogurt, lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoiding processed foods and sugary/starchy snacks helps prevent cavities and gum disease, and will help improve both your child’s oral and overall health!
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Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
