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).