Education
Brushing
Parents and caregivers should help or watch over their kids’ tooth brushing abilities until they’re at least 8-years-old. Kids should use a soft toothbrush that allows them to reach all areas of their mouth. Remember to replace toothbrushes every three-four months and even sooner if the bristles are worn out, or if your children have been sick.
Flossing
Kids should clean between their teeth once a day, every day, with floss or flossers to remove plaque and food where a toothbrush can’t reach. Children’s’ teeth can be flossed as soon as two of their teeth touch each other.
Diet and nutrition
A balanced diet helps your children’s teeth and gums to be healthy. A diet high in natural or added sugars may place your child at extra risk for tooth decay
o A sugary or starchy food with sugar is safer for teeth if it is eaten with a meal, not as a snack. Chewing during a meal helps produce saliva which helps wash away sugar and starch.
o Sticky food’s, like potato chips, raisins and other dried fruit and candy are not easily washed away from your kid’s teeth by saliva, water or milk, so they have more cavity-causing potential.
o Talk to your dentist about serving foods that protect your kid’s dental health.
In fact, AAPD has revised its Policy on Dietary Recommendations for Infants, Children, and Adolescents, which can be located at http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/P_DietaryRec.pdf..
Healthy habits, routines, and approaches
Every child is different and we are here to help you find the best approach to your child’s oral health. Please ask us at your next visit if you have specific concerns or questions about setting a routine, approaches to healthy eating and establishing proper habits