Oral Hygiene at Home
Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintain good oral health and a healthy mouth. It is critical to have a healthy mouth as oral health can impact your overall health.
Ensure your child brushes their teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also, be sure they brush the top of her tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep her breath fresh!
Ensure your child cleans between her teeth by flossing at least once daily. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Setting a Good Example
As part of the natural learning process, little ones are expert mimics; you can take advantage of this talent. Brush and floss daily while your child is watching, and they will intuit the importance of your good habits at an early age. As soon as your child shows interest, offer a toothbrush of their own and encourage your toddler to “brush” with you. (You’ll find toothbrushes with chunky, short handles that are easy to grip.) Most children don’t have the skill to thoroughly clean their teeth until they’re about six or seven, so you’ll have to do that part of the job. Try different tactics to make brushing fun: flavored toothpaste, a toothbrush with a favorite character, or singing songs about brushing. The primary goal is to instill healthy oral habits early to prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy, cavity-free teeth!