The month of October is set aside to raise awareness about breast cancer, pregnancy and infant loss, and learning differences–including ADHD and dyslexia. But did you know it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month?
Here are 5 tips from Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist to support your child(ren)’s oral hygiene habits.
#1 Brushing Basics Matter
Children (and adults!) should brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. For the younger ones, making it part of their daily morning and bedtime routines is key to making it a healthy, sustainable habit. As far as toothpaste, you want to use a fluoridated toothpaste as soon as that first tooth breaks through. Use a grain of rice-sized amount until age 3, and then a pea-sized amount.
If you have a kid who has a hard time with flavored toothpaste (like I do!), check out Dr. Bob Unflavored Toothpaste. It’s derived from plants and vegetables, and is the first and only US-based unflavored fluoridated toothpaste on the market! You can order it from the Dr. Bob Oral Care website or on Amazon.
#2 Remember to Floss
Once teeth touch, it’s important to clean between them to prevent cavities and keep gums healthy. This means baby teeth, too! GumChucks are a great way to get your kids excited about flossing. Designed to look like little nunchucks, they promote the recommended “C” shape technique to effectively remove plaque from teeth and gums. They’re comfortable, easy to use, and help develop our little ones’ dexterity, which also helps them with brushing. Both the GumChucks starter kits and refills are available for purchase on Amazon.
View this post on Instagram
#3 Rinse With Mouthwash
Mouthwash is antimicrobial and can help swish out particles and bacteria that may be left behind after flossing and brushing. But because most of them have added fluoride, kids must be able to spit it out and not swallow it. When they’re mature enough to handle it, choose one that’s sugar and alcohol-free. They’re available in fun flavors like bubble gum, watermelon, grape, or even pineapple!
#4 Snacks Make a BIG Difference
Snacks are such a big part of parenting, aren’t they?! Healthy snacking is important for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, brain health, mental focus, and balanced moods. Kids need regular, healthy snacks to fuel their growing minds and bodies. “Smile-friendly snacks” like cheese, fruits (especially apples!), and veggies lead to stronger teeth while also providing much-needed nutrients. Check out this post for other ways to boost tooth and gum health with natural foods.
#5 Prioritize Routine Dental Visits
When it comes to maintaining good dental hygiene, regular checkups and cleanings are super important. I’ve personally found them to be even more helpful as my kids get older and take more responsibility for their dental hygiene habits. Routine exams help catch and spot small issues before they become big problems, and also help kids feel comfortable visiting the dentist.
Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist is accepting new patients at their brand new office on Sunset Drive! Dr. Bob and his team are constantly striving to provide the exceptional care your child deserves while making dentist visits a positive experience for the whole family. They provide services in English and Spanish, and you will love the level of personalized care and attention you’ll receive. For questions or to schedule an appointment, you can reach Dr. Bob’s practice by phone at 305-397-8214 or via their website.
's oral hygiene habits.){kind=link}