Start Teaching Your Kids the Importance of Oral Hygiene Young
Posted on 12/7/2020 by Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
The sooner a child knows how to properly care for his or her teeth, the sooner he will establish good health and dental habits. If you don't set this type of thinking in motion, a child may fear going to the dentist and neglect his or her oral health.
What the Statistics Reveal
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), tooth decay in young children is a chronic problem. In fact, childhood cavities are 5 times more common than childhood illnesses, such as asthma. Therefore, teaching a child to brush and floss properly should be made a priority.
How You Should Teach Your Child to Brush and Floss
If your child is 6 years old or younger, help him or her brush their teeth twice a day- once after breakfast and once before bedtime. Let your child hold the toothbrush and show him or her how to brush. Help him or her access the difficult areas of the mouth they can't reach. The AAP advises that parents place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their child's toothbrush until he or she is 6 years old. Show your child how to angle the toothbrush along the gum to prevent gum disease. Also, your child should floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to ensure the best results. He or she will need help if they are under 10 years of age. You can also use floss picks, standing behind your child to ensure they are doing things properly.
Besides showing your child the right way to brush and floss, limit their consumption of starches and sugar. Do not allow your child to drink sweet beverages, orange juice, or milk from a sippy cup, as doing so can trigger decay. Instead, give your child water between meals to reduce the bacteria and sugar in the mouth that leads to cavities. Starchy snacks, such as crackers and chips, should be replaced with healthier substitutes such as fruit and cheese. Why not call us now to schedule an appointment. That way, we, too, can help you in ensuring that your child maintains a healthier and decay-free smile.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67101 • (316) 202-9629 • tinyteethwichita.com • 9/19/2024 • Page Keywords: Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS •
The sooner a child knows how to properly care for his or her teeth, the sooner he will establish good health and dental habits. If you don't set this type of thinking in motion, a child may fear going to the dentist and neglect his or her oral health. 