How to Properly Brush and Floss Your Childs' Teeth
Did you know 28% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have cavities? While it's important to have regular checkups at a pediatric dentist in Apopka, children must have proper flossing and brushing habits.
If you're wondering how to take care of your child's teeth at home you've come to the right place. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about pediatric dental care.
Oral Health
There are a few reasons why brushing and flossing your child's teeth every day is important. Without proper tooth care, your child could suffer long-term consequences.
Prevent Tooth Decay
The bacteria that sits on the teeth is called plaque and can cause decay if it's not removed. Everything your child eats builds up bacteria on and between their teeth. Decay can cause tooth loss and eventually lead to expensive and painful procedures.
Stop Bad Breath
No one wants to have bad breath. Food that gets stuck between your child's teeth can cause a bad odor but by simply brushing and flossing regularly this can take care of the issue.
Avoiding Yellowing and Staining
Our teeth come in contact with many different dyes that can stain our teeth. If your child drinks colored juice, tea, or soda they can experience yellowing.
Flossing
Flossing may not seem as important as brushing but it's critical for your child's dental health. Only flossing will get the small particles between the teeth that turn into sticky plaque.
There are a few different types of floss. There's waxed and unwaxed, textured, some come in different widths and different flavors.
It doesn't matter which type you pick, it's all preference. You have to try different ones to find the one that works best for your child.
There are a few important things to remember when flossing your child's teeth. First, be gentle around the gums. They can be sensitive and if you pull the floss too hard it can cause bleeding and inflammation.
You also want to use a clean section of the floss between each tooth. You don't want to transfer plaque particles from one tooth to another.
As your child grows up and becomes more independent you'll want to teach them the importance of oral health and how to properly floss their teeth.
Brushing
Brushing comes second to flossing but it's still important to establish brushing habits with your children. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended. It can be easy to forget but remember to change out your child's toothbrush frequently.
You don't want to scrub the teeth, circular motions around the gums and the sides of the teeth are ideal.
Pediatric Dentist in Apopka
From school work to extracurricular activities, you and your child probably have a busy day. Things like flossing and brushing their teeth can sometimes be forgotten about at the end of the day.
However, in between their visits to their pediatric dentist in Apopka, their tooth care needs to be a priority. Contact us here if you have any questions.
