February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry we’ll be celebrating all month long! Whether you’re in Garden of the Gods, West Colorado Springs, Centennial, or Fillmore, we invite you to celebrate with our children’s dentist Colorado Springs and schedule an appointment for your little one today.
Between pediatric appointments, it’s important to keep up with your child’s oral hygiene to ensure that their mouth stays healthy and strong. Here are a few of our best oral hygiene tips for kids to help your family avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions:
1. Make Sure They’re Brushing Properly
Proper brushing is critical for your child’s oral health. Children typically have enough dexterity to brush their own teeth around age six. However, you should still supervise to make sure they’re brushing properly. Keep an eye out to make sure they are:
- Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth
- Brushing in short, tooth-wide strokes
- Starting with the outside of the teeth, then the inside of the teeth, and finish with the chewing surfaces
- Brushing for at least two minutes, twice per day. The morning and evening are best.
- Flossing once per day. You’ll have to floss for your child until they’re about 10, or are coordinated enough to do it yourself.
2. Lead By Example
The best way to get your kids to follow your oral hygiene tips is to lead by example! Make sure that you brush properly and floss once per day. When your kids see you taking care of your teeth, they’ll be more likely to do the same. And, as a bonus, if you make brushing a family activity, it will be easier to keep an eye on your kids to make sure they’re brushing the way they’re supposed to.
3. Drink More Water (And Avoid Soda And Juice)
Drinking more water will help your kids maintain a healthy mouth, particularly if it’s tap water or bottled water that includes fluoride. Water helps rinse away food debris and bacteria, and it also helps maintain a proper pH balance in the mouth says Georgetown KY dentist, Dr. Kristina Neda. Steer clear of excessive soda and juice consumption. Too much sugar and acid are one of the main reasons that children are more prone to cavities.
4. Consider Dental Sealants Or Fluoride Treatments
If your child is cavity-prone, fluoride treatments or dental sealants can help protect their smile. Fluoride treatments use a high concentration of fluoride, which Dr. Boals “paints” onto your child’s teeth. The fluoride helps remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel that has been softened due to decay.
Dental sealants can also help prevent cavities. Dr. Boals will coat your child’s rear molars with a special resin that will harden into a barrier and prevent bacteria from forming on your child’s teeth.
5. Don’t Forget About Six-Month Oral Exams And Teeth Cleanings
Come into Kissing Camels Family Dentistry every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning. This advice applies to parents, too! A regular oral exam and teeth cleaning is the best way to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other complications for patients of all ages.
Schedule Your Appointment Today – Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month!
There’s no better time to schedule a preventive dentistry appointment at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. Whether you need a pediatric appointment for your child or you’re overdue for an exam, get in touch right away! You can reach us at (719) 301-6604 for an appointment, or come by our office near Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, and Mountain Shadows at 3470 Centennial Blvd, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, Co 80907.