Our dental hygienist Judy Zuniga and her daughter Zadie are sharing some
helpful tips on how to teach our kids good oral health at a young age.
They’ve put together four simple steps that you can practice at
home to help maintain a healthy smile.
BRUSHING
Make sure your kids are brushing their teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush,
like the one in the video. Once in the morning after you have your breakfast
and then again in the evening just before you go to bed. Parents, be sure
you’re using toothpaste that contains fluoride because it helps
prevent tooth decay.
FLOSSING
Sometimes food gets trapped in between your kid’s teeth and it can
be so small it won’t bother them. Flossing can help you take all
of that out! After they brush their teeth at night grab some floss and
go in between every single tooth (See video for reference). This only
needs to be done once, before they go to bed.
USE MOUTHWASH
The third step, to having healthy teeth is using mouthwash. After your
child brushes and flosses, take a little bit of mouthwash and have them
rinse their mouth. Remind them not to drink it!
EATING HEALTHY
Lastly, eating healthy foods leads to a healthy smile and teeth! Too much
sugar like candy, cookies and soda can create cavities. And cavities can
hurt! Talk to them about healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts,
meat and fish. Including them in the process of making healthy meals can
help them learn to love healthy foods.
These 4 easy steps can help you help your kids manage a healthy smile.
If they do develop cavities, don’t worry. Just make an appointment
to see one of our dentist at any of our clinics!
LIFT THE LIP
Brushing your child’s teeth when they are little can be frustrating,
but we have some tips to help you and your little one get through it together.
The first step to brushing your child’s teeth is making sure they’re
in the right position. If your child is cooperative, the easiest way is
to lay their head on your lap. Brush their teeth using a circular motion
on the surface of every tooth, really focusing on the gum line area.
It's common for young children to cry while you try to brush their
teeth. To make it a little easier, you can either use a two-person hold
or a one-person method like this. Make sure their head and hands are secure,
so you can brush while they cry.
We know it can be hard, but don’t worry. Just keep brushing and follow
up with lots of hugs and kisses after.
We hope these two videos will help you help your children maintain healthy
smiles! If they do develop cavities, don’t worry.
Just make an appointment to see one of our dentist at any of our clinics!