Dental Hygiene Month in October is dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of good oral hygiene. In honor of this month, Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry is sharing four ways to improve and maintain your child’s dental hygiene.
Dental hygiene tips for children
As you focus on your child’s smile and their oral health, remember these helpful tips from Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry:
Practice proper brushing technique
Your child should brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. For children under four years old, it’s recommended you supervise their brushing. For proper brushing, angle the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line, moving the toothbrush back and forth. Repeat on the outside of the teeth.. Be sure to brush the top surfaces of the teeth too. Remind your child not to swallow the toothpaste. Help them rinse their teeth and spit in the sink.
Don’t forget about flossing
Once your child has two teeth that touch, you should start helping them floss. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from the nooks and crannies of the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
Switch out soda for water
Instead of giving your child juice or soda with meals, offer them water or milk. Juice and soda have a lot of sugar that eats away at the enamel of teeth and can create cavity-creating bacteria. Water rinses away food and bacteria, and the calcium in milk helps strengthen teeth - both crucial to helping prevent tooth decay in your child’s smile.
Keep up with pediatric dentist exams
Start bringing your child to a pediatric dentist in Charlotte, NC once they have teeth. During these visits, pediatric dentists will examine your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth to determine their overall oral health.
If you have any questions about Dental Hygiene Month or tips for keeping up with your child’s oral hygiene, contact Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry. Our knowledgeable staff can help answer any questions you may have.
