Sometimes, in the midst of pressures like school and extracurriculars, it’s easy to let oral hygiene slide. Fortunately, adopting healthy oral habits just takes a few simple changes. By making these adjustments, you can help protect your kids’ teeth from decay and structural damage. And you will be setting them up with good routines for life!
Dr. Matt, Dr. Craven, and their team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids are committed to helping children enjoy the best possible dental health. We encourage you to schedule regular visits at our Overland Park, KS, office. At each appointment we will teach both you and your child the best ways to care for your smile.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
1. Brush Twice a Day
While you know the importance of brushing, you may not know that there is a proper way to brush. The American Dental Association recommends using a soft-bristled brush and holding it at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Use short, back-and-forth strokes to clean each tooth. Use vertical strokes to clean the backs of your front teeth.
2. Floss Once a Day
Flossing also ranks high among healthy oral habits. And, as with brushing, there is a correct way to do so. According to the ADA, you should use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping each end around one finger. Unspool the floss as you go, so that you are using a new section of floss between each tooth. Apply a gliding, rather than a snapping motion, which can damage your gums. And use a C-shaped movement to clean between the top of each tooth and the gum line. Children may need help with this technique for quite some time.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is not only essential for physical health (especially as we approach the hot summer months). Drinking water is also among the key healthy oral habits. Water helps to stimulate saliva production and to wash away food particles. It’s also one of the healthiest beverages. Juices and sodas contain high levels of sugar, which can be devastating for kids’ teeth.
4. Wear a Sports Mouthguard
If your child plays contact sports, an athletic mouthguard is crucial. These devices can prevent serious damage to your kid’s teeth, as well as lacerations and facial injuries. You can purchase pre-made mouthguards, but they often don’t fit well and could even impede breathing and athletic performance. Instead, we recommend a custom mouthguard, provided by your pediatric dentist.
5. Visit the Dentist Twice a Year
Of course, no list of healthy oral habits would be complete without mentioning routine dental visits. At every checkup, we will examine and clean your child’s teeth. We also monitor dental development, and typically once a year, we will take x-rays.
These appointments should begin much earlier than you may realize. Children should visit the dentist once their first tooth arrives or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. We believe so strongly in the importance of early dental care that we offer free exams and cleanings for kids under age 2.
Learn More Healthy Oral Habits When You Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids
Contact our office to schedule an appointment or to learn more about kids’ dental health.
Reach us online or call us at (913) 685-9990.