The oral hygiene habits your child starts to build when they're young will stick with them for the rest of their lives. If you want your child to have a healthy mouth and build good habits, it’s important to start them young!
But how can you encourage your child to keep their smile healthy? Here are a few oral hygiene tips from Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West. Take a look now, and see how you can prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Despite what pseudoscience may have you believe, fluoride is not harmful for kids. In fact, it’s the opposite. Fluoride toothpaste and fluoride in water help teeth “remineralize” and fight back against tooth decay.
So make sure to choose ADA-accepted toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. And when it comes to water, give your child tap water instead of distilled or bottled water. Most towns put a small amount of fluoride in their tap water, which will help protect your child’s oral health.
If your child is old enough to brush on their own, they can choose their own toothbrush. There are lots of toothbrushes with colorful characters, lights, and other features that kids love, and letting them choose their own toothbrush may motivate them to brush more often.
You should help your child choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, and a round or diamond-shaped head. Also, replace their toothbrush every three months or so. Over time, the bristles will start to fray and will not be as effective at cleaning their teeth..
Most kids can brush around the age of six or seven, but flossing is harder, and your child may not get the hang of it until they're eight or older. Until they can do it on their own, make sure you floss your child’s teeth once a day.
Your child needs to brush for at least two minutes, and spend 30 seconds on each quadrant of their mouth. This YouTube video is a helpful resource if you want to teach your child proper brushing techniques, and you and your child can also ask Dr. Hany Azer and the team at Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West for tips!
You should also set a good example. Brush along with your kids to show them the proper technique. You can also make sure that they're brushing for long enough, and are thoroughly cleaning all of their teeth.
A “tooth-healthy” diet is one of the best ways to fight back against cavities. In general, your child should avoid sugary, starchy, and overly-processed foods. They should eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy dairy like yogurt and milk. You also should not give them juice, soda, or other sugary drinks, and they should mostly be drinking tap water.
Every six months, you and your little one should come to Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West for a consultation with Dr. Azer and our team. During their six-month preventive visit, we’ll clean their teeth and Dr. Azer will examine their mouth to make sure their smile is healthy. We can also provide tips on proper oral hygiene, and explain the basics of dentistry to your child.
At Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West, we’re dedicated to the comfort of your kids. That’s why we offer a comfortable, child-friendly environment, and why you’re always welcome to join your kids and stay with them in the operating room for each visit.
With our focus on informative dentistry and excellent pediatric care, we can set your child up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (407) 554-4222 to schedule a consultation at Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West now. Dr. Azer is always accepting new patients in Winter Garden.
