Every February, the American Dental Association hosts National Children's Dental Health Month to promote oral health and wellness in children and teens. This year's theme is "Brush, Floss, Smile," which focuses on home oral hygiene. This year's theme aims to help children, caregivers, parents, and teachers better understand the importance of good oral hygiene and how to properly brush and floss at home. The ADA even has fun posters, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, and other games and activities to teach kids about their growing smiles and dental care.
Get Ready to Brush, Floss, and Smile!
Dr. Preston White and our team at White Smiles Family Dentistry are here to help you and your little one achieve excellent oral health all year round. Here are some helpful tips for practicing proper oral hygiene at home:
- Brush all surfaces of your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to check with your child's dentist before using fluoride toothpaste, as children of certain ages shouldn't use it. Excessive fluoride or early fluoride use can hinder the healthy development of tooth enamel. If your child is old enough to use fluoride toothpaste, only use a small amount.
- Brush the tongue from back to front. Brushing your child's tongue helps keep their mouth clean, bacteria-free, and fresh.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle in a small circular motion.
- Don't brush too vigorously or press too hard on the teeth, as this can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue.
- Floss between teeth once a day. Flossing is like hugging each tooth and helps remove food particles and bacteria. It also helps eliminate plaque between teeth and prevents gum disease.
- Rinse with age-appropriate mouthwash. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep cavities and gum disease at bay.
More Tips for a Healthy Smile
Some other healthy habits that promote good oral health include:
- Eat nutritious foods that are healthy for your teeth, like carrots, apples, and yogurt.
- Limit or avoid sugary foods and beverages, like desserts, juices, and candies.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and wash away oral bacteria and acids from food.
- Avoid harmful habits like thumb-sucking and excessive pacifier use.
Your dentist in Springfield can offer additional tips and show you how to best care for your child's smile.
Contact Your Children's Dentist in Springfield
Dr. Preston White is a skilled and gentle family dentist who treats kids' growing smiles. Call us today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning with our team.
We look forward to welcoming you to White Smiles Family Dental!