Kids need to start learning about the importance of oral health care at an early age. This is because early prevention of severe dental problems happens through good oral hygiene habits that children can learn.
One of the best ways to promote early prevention in Oradell is to make sure that kids brush and floss their teeth every day. This will remove any plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities or gum disease.
It’s also important to have kids visit the dentist regularly so that any early problems can be detected and treated immediately. By starting early with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits, kids can reduce their risk of developing serious dental problems later in life.
And while many kids are already being taught about brushing their teeth, flossing is often neglected. But flossing is just as important as brushing, if not more so. This is because flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from areas that toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
So, make sure to encourage your kids to brush AND floss their teeth every day! If they are still too young to brush and floss on their own, help them out until they are able to do it on their own. With early prevention, we can help kids stay healthy and avoid serious dental problems down the road.
Best Brushing and Flossing Practices for Kids
#1 – Kids should brush and floss twice each day.
The best time to brush is after breakfast and before going to bed at night. If possible, have your child floss after brushing in the morning, and then again at night before bed.
#2 – Kids should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrushes.
It’s important not to use too much toothpaste, as this can also lead to tooth cavities. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste should be enough to clean your child’s teeth effectively.
#3 – Kids should use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Harder bristles can damage your child’s teeth and gums, so it’s best to stick with a soft-bristled brush.
#4 – Kids should brush for two minutes each time.
Brushing for two minutes will ensure that your child’s teeth are getting a thorough cleaning. You can use a timer to help them keep track of how long they should brush.
#5 – Kids should floss between each of their teeth.
Flossing helps to remove any plaque and bacteria that can’t be reached with a toothbrush. Your child should floss between each of their teeth, making sure to go all the way down to the gum line.
Importance of Flossing for Early Prevention of Dental Issues
You need to start flossing your kids’ teeth as soon as their molars come in or their teeth touch. Flossing early prevents gum disease and tooth decay. If left unchecked, these problems will only become worse over time.
Flossing should be done every day, just like brushing. But many kids (and adults!) neglect to floss because it can be difficult to do properly. At first, your child may resist flossing because it takes time to learn how to do it correctly.
But remember that what’s important at this point is to build the habit. So even if your child is only flossing once a day, that’s still better than not flossing at all. Just make sure to supervise them and help them out as needed so that they are doing it correctly.
If your child is having trouble flossing on their own, there are a few things you can do to help them out:
- Use floss holders – Floss holders make it easier for kids to get the floss down into those hard-to-reach areas.
- Use waxed floss – Waxed floss is easier to maneuver around each tooth, and it’s less likely to get stuck.
- Use flavored floss – Many kids like the taste of flavored floss, which can help make flossing more enjoyable.
Best Early Prevention Dentist in Oradell, NJ
Aside from regular brushing and flossing, another important part of early prevention is having regular dental visits. These checkups allow your dentist to spot any problems early on and provide treatment accordingly.
It’s best to go to a trusted pediatric dentist in your area to get optimal care for your child’s teeth. Here at KinderSmiles, we specialize in early prevention and provide comprehensive dental care for kids and teens. We know that a healthy smile and gums will take your child a long way today, and in their lives growing up.
KinderSmiles is a trusted and award-winning dental office for kids in Oradell, NJ and we offer a wide range of services to help keep your child’s smile healthy. If your kids are afraid of the dentist, we also offer sedation dentistry to help them feel relaxed and comfortable during their appointment.
Emergency dental care is also available at KinderSmiles. While we hope that your child never has to experience a dental emergency, we are here to help if the need ever arises. You know who to call!
Schedule an appointment with KinderSmiles today and start your child on the path to early prevention and a lifetime of good oral health. You can also visit our website to learn more about our services and what to expect at your child’s first dental visit. We look forward to meeting you soon!