Caring for your teeth is hard enough, but making sure your kids are brushing, flossing, and practicing healthy oral habits can be challenging. Many parents find themselves frustrated with their children over their oral habits. It is important to help children understand how important it is to care for their teeth. Taking them to see a pediatric dentist in Cumming, GA, is a great way to help kids understand how to brush and floss properly. Here are just a few things they will learn when then visit the dentist.
Daily Brushing
Most children do not brush their teeth for the right amount of time. From the time a child develops their first tooth, you need to start brushing their teeth. Clean your infant’s teeth with a wet washcloth or a plastic tooth scrubber. These can be purchased in most dentistry aisles at the supermarket. Once your child can hold a toothbrush, help them learn how to scrub their teeth. You need to start using toothpaste after the age of two. This will help to improve their teeth by strengthening them with fluoride. Be diligent in brushing their teeth for about 2 minutes, or 30 seconds in each zone. Teach your child how to move the toothbrush around the entire tooth. Since this is hard for kids, it is a good idea to purchase an electric toothbrush that will vibrate around the tooth. It can help to break up the plaque that forms on the tooth and causes cavities. Children should focus on brushing before bed and in the morning to help their teeth stay clean.
Daily Flossing
Kids have a hard time flossing their teeth, but it is necessary as most childhood cavities form in-between the teeth. Plan on buying some pre-made flossers for your kids to use. They can gently slide the floss in-between the teeth to remove food and excess bacteria and plaque that gets trapped. It is important to floss not only for their teeth, but for their gums. When they visit the dentist for a cleaning, the dentist will talk to them about daily flossing and why they need to floss. They will also teach your child how to properly floss since it can be difficult.
Healthy Eating
One of the reasons children have cavities is because they are not eating healthy foods. Replace the sugary snacks with fresh apples and carrots. The fruits and vegetables that are crunchy act like a natural toothbrush and help to remove plaque from the surface of the tooth. It is essential to make sure your kids are drinking plenty of water to rinse bacteria, sugar, and other things out of the mouth. Water is essential to the teeth as it does help to keep them healthier, and most water sources will contain fluoride. Fluoride is important for the development of teeth, and to improve the structure of a tooth.
