Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are the dream team for keeping your child's smile sparkling! Here are some ways to help your child fight cavities and plaque buildup:
- Brush Time! Twice a day is the magic number for brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don't forget the tongue! Brushing the tongue helps remove food particles and keeps breath fresh.
- Floss Power! Brushing can't reach everywhere, so flossing once a day is a must. Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth, where cavities love to hide. Mouthwash can also be a helpful teammate, killing bacteria and freshening breath.
- Healthy Choices for Healthy Smiles! A balanced diet is a happy smile! Sugary treats may taste good, but they're not good for teeth. Choose nutritious options like raw veggies, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit to keep your child's smile healthy.
- Regular Checkups are Key! Schedule checkups with your child's dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. It's like giving their smile a spa day!
- Seal Out Decay! Ask your dentist about dental sealants. These are protective shields painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where cavities often start.
- Smile Protectors! If your child plays sports, a mouthguard is a great way to protect their smile from bumps and bruises. Talk to your dentist about finding the right fit.
Here's how to brush your teeth like a champ:
- Tilt the brush: Hold the brush like a seesaw, leaning it against your teeth where the pink gums meet the white.
- Brush in circles: Make gentle circles all over each tooth, just like cleaning a window!
- Get all sides: Don't forget to brush the front, back, and top of each tooth. Reach the tricky parts: Use the pointy tip of the brush to clean the insides of your front teeth.
Floss helps get rid of tiny food pieces stuck between your teeth, here’s how to do it:
- Wrap the floss: Take a long piece of floss, about the size of your arm span, and wrap most of it around one finger. The other finger will take up the floss as you clean.
- Slide it in gently: Push a small piece of floss (about the width of your thumb) between your teeth using your thumb and pointer finger.
- Make a C-shape: Once the floss is in, curve it like a C around one tooth and slide it gently under your gum.
- Slide up and down: Move the floss up and down along the side of the tooth, then do the same for each tooth.
Time for a checkup?
If it's been a long time since your last visit (more than 6 months!), give us a call to schedule an appointment. We want to keep those sparkling smiles healthy and happy!
