Caring for teeth is a full-time job that lasts a lifetime. But, you can make that job a lot easier (and more successful) by using the four most essential tools for optimum oral health.
1 – Toothbrush
Often overlooked and under considered, it is vital that you take the time to buy the right toothbrush for your child. By selecting the proper toothbrush, you can help your child get a healthier smile with ease and comfort. Be sure that the head of the brush easily fits into your child’s mouth, and that they can comfortably grip the handle. Change out their toothbrush every six months, or immediately after they’ve overcome an illness like a cold or flu.
2 – Dental Floss
Brushing only cleans about 1/3 of the total surface area of teeth which leaves most of the teeth unclean! Your child should floss once per day, and clean between every space in their teeth. For young children, flat dental tape works well as a beginner’s floss, and a set of floss picks can also help young children floss more easily.
3 – Water
Water is fantastic for a healthy mouth in a lot of ways. For instance, water helps clean teeth of food debris that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. But, did you know that saliva is critical in keeping tooth enamel strong? Saliva is the body’s natural way to rid teeth of food debris and keep the mouth at a healthy Ph level. Saliva is also 99% water, so make sure that your child drinks plenty of water to keep their teeth debris-free and clean.
4 – Toothpaste
For more than 50 years, the American Dental Association has recommended using toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent cavities. Fluoridated toothpaste does an excellent job of cleaning teeth, but make sure that you spit all of it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing. When shopping for toothpaste, avoid abrasives, and look for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) seal of approval on the packaging to ensure that you’re getting the best toothpaste available.
The ADA Seal of Approval
Look for the American Dental Association’s seal of approval when buying any dental or oral care products. The seal will be easily viewable on the box. The ADA’s stringent testing procedures help ensure that you’re buying a useful product that actually works.
Make Sure Your Child Brushes Twice per Day
To prevent cavities and tooth decay, your child should be brushing twice per day for two minutes at a time, and floss once per day. If they are complaining of sensitive or painful teeth, then visit our office for further evaluation. Our team will check their mouth for signs of tooth and provide them with a treatment plan that will get them a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
