Dr. Paul C. Riley
Dr. Charles F. Ezelle
Find Us:
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- oral health (21)
- celebrity smiles (59)
- oral hygiene (13)
- orthodontics (8)
- tads (1)
- dental implants (13)
- cosmetic dentistry (6)
- dental emergency (3)
- clear aligners (1)
- furcation (1)
- pediatric dentistry (8)
- sealants (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (1)
- dental exam (2)
- orthodontic treatment (12)
- braces (11)
- root canal (2)
- oral cancer (2)
- palatal expanders (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- medication (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguard (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- gum disease (9)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- flossing (1)
- retainers (4)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- partial denture (2)
- bridge (1)
- crowns (4)
- laser dentistry (2)
- bonding (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- bad breath (2)
- gluten (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- dental care (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- tooth decay (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- root canal treatment (5)
- nutrition (4)
- tooth extraction (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- gum recession (2)
- fluoride (1)
- mouthguards (1)
- pain management (1)
- toothache (2)
- thumb sucking (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- chipped tooth (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- bruxism (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- veneers (1)
- cancer treatment (1)
- tooth loss (2)
- tooth replacement (1)
- retainer (1)
- cancer (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
Categories:
How to Help Your Child Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits
February marks National Children's Dental Health Month. It’s important for children to form daily oral hygiene habits early, but how do you get little ones to take care of their teeth? Try these tips:
Describe your actions. When children are too young to brush on their own, gently brush their teeth for them, narrating as you go so they learn what toothbrushing entails. For example, “Brush, brush, brush, but not too hard,” or “Smile big. Let’s get the front teeth. Now let’s get the teeth in the very back.”
Make learning fun. Around age 3, children can start learning to brush their own teeth. To model proper technique, play follow the leader as you and your child brush teeth side by side, making sure to get all tooth surfaces. Then you both can swish and spit. After brushing together, brush your child’s teeth again to make sure hard-to-reach surfaces are clean. Note that children generally need help brushing until at least age 6.
Encourage ownership and pride. Children feel more invested in their oral health when they get to pick out their own supplies, such as a toothbrush with their favorite character and toothpaste in a kid-friendly flavor. To boost pride in a job well done, reward your child with a sticker or star after they brush their teeth.
Keep your child brushing for two minutes. According to the American Dental Association, toothbrushing should be a two-minute task. To pass the time, play a favorite song or download a tooth-brushing app designed to keep kids brushing the recommended two minutes. For increased motivation, electric toothbrushes for children often have a built-in two-minute timer as well as appealing characters, lights and sounds.
And don’t forget one more key to a lifetime of good oral health—regular dental visits. If you have questions about your child’s dental hygiene or if it’s time to schedule a dental visit, please contact our office. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Dentistry & Oral Health for Children” and “Top 10 Oral Health Tips for Children.”