Oral Hygiene Guide for Kids Downey CA | Oral Hygiene Guide for Kids in Downey CA
Oral Hygiene Guide for Kids Downey CA

Oral Hygiene Guide for Kids

Oral Hygiene Guide for Kids Downey, CA

If you want your kids to have the best oral health, oral hygiene is very important! At Downey Dental Arts, we have a lot of experience working with kids, from infants to the oldest teens. We enjoy working with children and want to help establish a lifetime of good oral health. That is why we have put together this list of tips and suggestions to get your kids started on a good foundation of oral health.

Why Is Oral Health Important?

Oral health is an important part of overall health. Poor oral health is associated with other health conditions because the mouth can harbor bacteria that can turn into an infection if it’s not managed via proper oral hygiene. A strong commitment to oral health will have a positive impact, not just on your kid’s smile but on their immune system. In these days of pandemics and respiratory illnesses, proper dental hygiene will actually help overall immune strength.

Why Is a Dental Hygiene Routine Important for Kids?

One of the best ways to improve oral health outcomes is through a regular dental hygiene routine. The sooner you instill these good habits in your child, the better. It’s a lot easier to teach a child when they are really little than try to retrain bad habits later on. (That said, don’t give up – we should always try to improve on bad habits.)

Oral Hygiene Routine for Kids Downey CA
Proper Oral Hygiene Routine for Kids Downey CA

What Is a Proper Oral Hygiene Routine for Kids?

Kids should brush at least twice per day for at least two minutes. They should also floss once per day, if not more. Also, have your children brush their teeth after eating, especially if they just ate something sugary.

Our dentists at Downey Dental Arts can show your child how to brush and floss properly the next time you visit. We will also provide a complimentary soft-bristled toothbrush for your child to use. Your child should brush each quadrant of the mouth carefully and try not to miss anything. They don’t need to brush too hard – that can cause problems too! So gentle but firm is best.

Older kids can also benefit from an alcohol-free mouthwash.

How Does Diet Impact Oral Health in Children?

What your kids eat is perhaps just as important as how often they brush when it comes to oral health. As you probably already know (but we need to strongly reiterate), sugar is the enemy of healthy teeth. Candy, sweets, cake, cookies, and soft drinks are all sugary foods that will negatively impact your child’s oral health (not to mention the rest of their health).

You can try to give your kids healthier versions of these things (for example, cake that has a sugar substitute), but it’s also essential to feed them a well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats (if your family is not vegetarian).

What Habits Are Bad for Kids’ Teeth?

Please discourage your child from bad habits that can negatively impact teeth. These include chewing on fingernails, pencils, toys, ice cubes, etc.

Why Should My Child Keep Their Toothbrush Clean?

Even though toothbrushes are designed to clean teeth, they can still harbor bacteria and even viruses. Toothbrushes should be stored in a toothbrush holder with the bristles pointing up. Keep toothbrushes separated from one another to avoid the spread of germs.

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings Important for Kids?

Even the kids who do the best job cleaning their teeth will still need to see a dentist. Some plaque and tartar simply need to be professionally removed. Otherwise, if the plaque and tartar begin to build up, despite your child’s best efforts, tooth decay can still potentially occur. Seeing the dentist at least twice per year for a checkup and routine teeth cleaning also instills good habits in kids that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Oral Hygiene Routine Habits for Kids Downey CA

What Do Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings Cost for Kids?

We recommend getting family dental insurance that covers your kids. Dental insurance is very affordable and will help you with any dental bills. With most dental insurance plans these days, a yearly exam and at least one (if not two) cleanings per year are included in the cost of the insurance. At Downey Dental Arts, we will also help out with financial payment plans to make your family dental care in Southern California affordable.

Downey Oral Hygiene for Kids

If your kids need a dental checkup and teeth cleaning, contact us today by calling (562) 445-3363 to schedule an appointment at Downey Dental Arts.

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