February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. So let’s talk teeth…and gums! As parents, it is important to take care of your children’s’ baby teeth. Even though they will fall out what’s most important is teaching them good health habits.
Brushing and Flossing
We checked out Colgate and found some great rules of thumb for brushing and flossing. These rules go for your children, but they are important to all of us for great dental health.
- Brush two times a day – AT LEAST. It’s important to use a toothpaste with fluoride. Brushing for two minutes is the standard. Brush first thing in the morning and again before you go to bed. It’s important to get food particles and sugar off of your teeth so it doesn’t remain on your teeth as you sleep.
- Floss daily. We know this is a hard one. But brushing alone will not remove debris from in between your teeth.
- Sugary snacks and drinks can be hard on children’s teeth (and on adult teeth too!) Limiting these types of snacks can be helpful.
- Lead by example! Let your children see how important the health of your teeth and gums is to you.
Here is a great how-to video from Colgate: ClICK HERE
The ADA (The American Dental Association) recommends that you change your toothbrush every three months or so. That’s why your dentist typically provides your kids (and you!) with a new one each time you go to visit. Regular cleanings are important and don’t forget your gums and gum line when it comes to care and brushing. By taking care of your teeth and gums and your children’s you can avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
The ADA has scientific research that they are doing to always improve how we can take care of our smiles. Once those baby teeth are gone, you have one set of teeth the rest of your life. Taking care of that smile from the beginning builds great habits for life.