The recent COVID-19 outbreak has put a “pause” on many routine checkups and procedures, including dental appointments. In lieu of not being able to schedule cleanings and checkups for your children, it is imperative that parents and kids alike stay on top of their oral health during this time, so as to not cause more serious issues later.
We want to remind you that it’s not hard to maintain good oral health, it just takes a little extra time, which most of us have a lot more of these days. Here’s How:
Brush Your Teeth
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Brush thoroughly 2x per day, at morning and at night
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Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
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Use a gentle, circular motion on both the outside and especially inside surfaces.
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Use a back and forth motion on chewing surfaces
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Brush for no less than 2 minutes – or about the time it takes for you to jam to your favorite song!
Which Toothpaste Is Best?
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For age 0-2, use a fluoride-free baby toothpaste and use a soft brush to clean the teeth twice daily. Suggestion: Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride-Free Children’s Toothpaste
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For ages 2-5 use a toothpaste with a small amount of fluoride to help prevent cavities and wear. Suggestion: Crest Disney Toothpaste
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Ages 5-8 use a toothpaste that effectively fights against cavities while protecting enamel. Suggestion: Kid’s Crest Cavity Protection
Which Toothbrush Is Best?
Kids toothbrushes vary in size and shape depending on need and ability, both of which change as they grow. No matter their age, your kids toothbrushes should fit comfortably in their mouths and be easy to hold and manipulate. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that are made of a round-ended or “polished” material. These types of brush heads clean kids’ teeth well but aren’t rough on their gums.
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Babies & Toddlers, use a rubber or very soft bristled brush to gently clean their gums and baby teeth. Suggestion: Baby Banana Toothbrush
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For ages 3+, choose a toothbrush that is easy to hold and use with soft bristles that are perfect for cleaning young teeth. Suggestion: Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush With Sensitive Brush Head and Timer cleans better with it’s oscillating brush head, it’s also rechargeable and has a 2-minute timer built in to help train your kids to brush more effectively. We also sell variations of this toothbrush at our own office.
Other Helpful Advice:
Besides brushing, there are a few additional ways to keep your kiddo’s teeth in tip top shape:
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Use Floss: Clean between teeth daily once a day. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
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Less Sugar: Eat a balanced diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
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Chew Gum: Gum that contains the antimicrobial sweetener, Xyletol, may actually prevent tooth decay.
Taking good care of your teeth is an important part of overall health, being as your mouth is the entryway to your entire body. Proper oral health can prevent many different illnesses or diseases. Start now, and we’ll look forward to taking great care of our patients as soon as possible.
