Once in a while we have parents ask us general questions about how they and their children should be caring for their teeth. Here are a few tips about teeth brushing, flossing, toothpaste, and dental visits.
Making sure that your child brushes his/her teeth should always be a part of your daily routine. Young children will need you to brush their teeth for them. If your children have erupted teeth, they do need to be brushed. As they get older, they will need to learn how to brush their own teeth correctly. Brushing side by side with them is a wonderful way to tell-show-do with them. Show them how you brush your teeth. Sing a song while brushing! Even teens need a gentle reminder to brush their teeth AT LEAST TWICE A DAY! Dr. Curt tells us that everyone should be brushing if at all possible, after meals.
Flossing is just as important as brushing. It is essential for a healthy mouth. We suggest flossing at least once a day. If your child is too young to floss, but has teeth, you will need to floss for them. Flossing should not be painful, so if your children are complaining, it could be because you are starting a new habit and there is some inflammation as long standing plaque is disrupted. It could also be from excessive pressure so use a gentle touch to be sure to not damage their gums while flossing. The more you floss the healthier your gums will be, and this should not cause any injuries. There are different types of floss on the market such as waxed or unwaxed. All of these will work, so pick the one that is the best fit for you and is easiest for you to use. And remember, there is clear evidence that a waterpik is as useful if not more useful than floss when used regularly. This is especially true for orthodontic patients.
When picking a toothpaste for your child, remember that all toothpastes with the ADA seal have been approved by the ADA and are safe to use. It is just a matter of choice. The ADA has changed the guidelines on when a parent should start using fluoride toothpastes for their children and how much they should use. Before age 2, it is safe to use a smear of fluoride toothpaste that just covers the bristles to brush your child’s teeth. After that age, a pea-sized amount is appropriate. Remember, the toothpaste should not be ingested, but rinsed out of the mouth.
Finally, don’t forget those essential dental visits! Your children should go to the dentist twice a year (every 6 months) for a regular checkup, in order to be sure that their mouth is healthy and they are doing a good job with their oral hygiene. If a problem does develop like gingivitis or a cavity, the earlier it is detected the easier it is to correct. If you would like more information about National Orthodontic Health Month, please feel free to ask us about it at our office.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
