Brushing and Flossing to Maintain Kids’ Dental Health

Dental care needs to take center stage as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts. Getting kids on the path to proper oral health habits right from the start is something every parent can and should do. Following some valuable advice about brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits is a great way to keep kids’ dental health in great shape for years to come.

Follow these handy oral health tips and make regular visits to your dentist in Peoria to keep your children’s teeth and gums their healthiest:

• Selecting the right toothbrush for your child is essential. Choose a soft-bristled brush that is small in size. Dentists often recommend brushing with only plain water until the age of two in order to avoid excessive swallowing of fluoride-containing products that can lead to discoloration. If your dentist approves the use of toothpaste, make sure to place just a pea-sized dot of an ADA-approved product onto the brush for your child’s twice-daily oral hygiene sessions.

• When at least two teeth have emerged next to each other, flossing needs to become an everyday habit. The use of floss picks can make getting in between small teeth much easier for parents and kids alike.

• Most kids are unable to thoroughly brush or floss on their own until about the age of six, so it is important to monitor brushing and flossing sessions and provide assistance when needed. Demonstrating on your own teeth is an ideal way to show your children proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Teaching strong dental care habits now will lead to good oral health, and is a gift that will last a lifetime.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Peoria, call Maple Shade Dental Group today or make an appointment.