Dental hygiene is extremely important for children. Not only does it help keep their teeth healthy and free from cavities, but it can also help prevent other health problems down the road.
We asked our kids dentist in Puyallup, WA and here are his 8 best tips for keeping your child's teeth clean and healthy.
One of the most important dental hygiene tips for kids is to teach them how to brush properly. While it may look good to teach them a little independence, some level of supervisions won't hurt as much too.
Show them the proper way to hold their toothbrush, how to use gentle circular motions, and make sure they're reaching all of their teeth— including those hard-to-reach back molars.
It's also important that they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and that they Spit, don't rinse after brushing. Rinsing washes away the fluoride in the toothpaste which is crucial for cavity prevention.
If your child is still too young to brush on their own, you can do it for them. Just be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle so you don't damage their delicate gums.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to make sure that your child is brushing their teeth at least twice a day— once in the morning and once at night.
If they can brush after every meal, that's even better! But we understand that sometimes life gets busy and that's not always possible. Just make sure they're brushing twice a day, every day.
It's important that your child brushes for the full two minutes recommended by dental professionals. This may seem like a long time for a child, but there are a few ways you can make it fun!
One way is to play their favorite song and have them brush until it's over. You can also give them a timer or use a stopwatch on your phone to help them keep track of time.
Whatever method you use, just make sure they're brushing for the full two minutes to ensure all the plaque and bacteria are removed from their teeth.
Flossing is just as important as brushing, but it's often overlooked— especially by kids. It's important to teach them how to floss properly so they can get all the plaque and bacteria out from between their teeth.
Just like with brushing, it's important to make sure they're flossing at least once per day— preferably at night before they go to bed.
This will help remove any food particles that may have been missed during brushing and prevent them from decaying overnight.
If they have a hard time using traditional floss, there are a few other options available, like floss picks or water flossers. Some even come in animal designs!
A healthy diet is important for overall health, but it's also crucial for dental health. Foods like cheese, nuts, and leafy greens are great for teeth because they contain calcium and other nutrients that help keep teeth strong.
On the other hand, sugary and acidic foods can damage teeth and lead to cavities. So, it's important to limit how much of these your child is consuming.
Sealants are a clear or white coating that's applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They act as a barrier between teeth and food, which can help prevent cavities.
They're typically applied to permanent teeth as soon as they come in, but they can also be applied to baby teeth if your child is at a high risk for cavities.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities and strengthens teeth. It can be found in many foods and drinks, but the amount isn't always enough to provide the dental benefits it offers.
That's why many dentists recommend fluoride treatments for their patients— especially children. These treatments are quick and easy, and they can make a big difference in your child's dental health.
Even if your child is brushing and flossing regularly, it's important to get their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Plaque and tartar can build up over time, even with good oral hygiene habits, so professional cleanings are necessary to remove it.
Most dentists recommend getting a cleaning every six months, but some children may need them more or less often depending on their individual needs.
And let them know that dentists are their friends! A trip to the dentist doesn't have to be a scary experience. In fact, it's an opportunity for them to get their teeth cleaned and have any problems addressed before they become serious.
These are just a few of the many dental hygiene tips you can use to help keep your child's teeth healthy and strong. Of course, the best way to ensure good dental health is to visit a kids dentist in Puyallup regularly.
Kids Choice Dental is a pediatric dentist in Puyallup WA that specializes in providing dental care for children of all ages. We offer a wide range of services, from preventive care to treatments for more serious dental problems.
If you're looking for a pediatric dentist in King County area, make sure to contact Kids Choice Dental today! We'd be happy to answer any of your questions and help you schedule an appointment.
Kids Choice Dental has three offices in King County, South Center, Federal Way, and Covington as well as two offices in Pierce County, Puyallup and Tacoma.
We also offer infant dentist in Puyallup, and kids cosmetic dentist in Tacoma and kids sedation dentist in Covington.
We'll see you and your kids around!
