Teaching Kids How to Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

February is National Children's Dental Health Month - a great time to brush up on your family's oral care! According to the American Dental Association (ADA), cavities are one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the United States. The good news is that they are preventable with proper care both at home and by a professional.

Dental provider cleaning the teeth of a pediatric patient

What Parents & Caregivers Can Do

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Here are some helpful tips for parents and caregivers to keep their children’s teeth strong, clean, and cavity-free.

Tips for a Healthy Smile

Brush and Floss Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste to brush twice a day for two minutes. Watch your child to be sure they are using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and that they are spitting it out once they are done. Then, follow up with dental floss to remove any build up between the teeth. If regular dental floss irritates your child’s mouth and gums, try switching to a water flosser to clean in between each tooth.
Wipe Baby Gums: The ADA recommends using a clean, soft, damp cloth to wipe your baby’s gums before and after feedings. This is a great way to remove any bacteria and sugars that could cause cavities since a toothbrush can be too abrasive for a baby’s sensitive mouth.
Limit Sugary Foods & Drinks: Sugary foods cause cavities by helping bad bacteria grow in the mouth. Choose healthier snacks like fruits, veggies, cheese, and nuts. If your child does indulge in sugary foods or drinks, make sure they properly brush their teeth afterwards.
Wear Mouthguards: With sports and physical activities, there is always a risk of injury to the teeth, gums, and jaw. Be sure your child is wearing their mouthguard to protect their teeth as they play and check that it fits their mouth as they grow. A mouthguard that is too big or small for their mouth won’t protect their teeth as well as one that’s fitted specifically for them.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Dental checkups should be performed every six months and children should have a basic mouth check by the time they turn two. It’s important to keep up with regular visits to ensure everything is as it should be, especially as your child starts losing their baby teeth and growing their adult ones.

Dental Services at CHDC

At CHDC, we take a "Total Dental Program" approach, ensuring every part of our patient’s dental care is addressed and cared for. We understand that trips to the dentist can be scary and stressful for some, especially younger patients. Our team provides patients of all ages with high-quality dental care in a comfortable and friendly environment. To schedule your child’s dental visit, give us a call at 610-326-9460 or click the buttons below to learn more about pediatric and dental care at CHDC.