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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, an annual campaign by the American Dental Association aimed at raising awareness about the importance of good oral health for kids. This year’s theme, “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile,” serves as a reminder for parents and children to prioritize dental care and build strong, healthy smiles. At Lockwood Family Dental, we’re here to support your family in maintaining excellent your child’s dental health.
1. First Dental Visit: The Key to Early Prevention
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, over 50% of children will experience tooth decay before they turn five. To prevent this, bring your child to Lockwood Family Dental around their first birthday, or within six months after their first tooth emerges. Early dental visits help ensure your child’s teeth are developing properly and give our dentist the opportunity to address any oral hygiene concerns you may have. We’ll guide you on when to start brushing and how to care for your little one’s teeth.
2. Building Good Habits with the 2-2-2 Rule
To encourage good oral hygiene habits, follow the 2-2-2 rule: visit the dentist twice a year, and brush and floss twice a day for two minutes. Let your child see you brushing and flossing and guide them through the process. By setting a positive example, you help them establish habits that lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth.
3. Proper Brushing Technique
Teaching your child the right brushing technique is essential for effective plaque removal. Follow these steps:
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle and brush along the gum line.
- Brush each tooth using back-and-forth and up-and-down motions.
- Clean all surfaces of the teeth, including the inside, outside, back, and top.
- Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria.
Help your child brush for two minutes twice a day, paying special attention to molars. If they want to help, take turns brushing or let them start and you finish. Remember to replace their toothbrush when the bristles fray and never allow them to share toothbrushes.
4. The Importance of Flossing
Once your child’s teeth begin to touch, it’s time to introduce flossing. Find a flossing tool that works best for them, whether it’s dental floss, floss sticks, or oral irrigators. This ensures that the spaces between teeth stay clean and free of plaque.
Flossing Technique:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping the ends around each of your middle fingers.
- Slide the floss gently between two teeth and create a C-shape around the gum line.
- Scrape against each tooth and repeat the process for all teeth.
Around the age of six or seven, your child will develop the coordination needed to brush on their own. By the time they are nine or ten, they should be able to floss independently. During these developmental stages, we can also discuss fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help protect their teeth from cavities.
5. Teen Dental Care
Teens face additional challenges when it comes to dental health. Between school, extracurricular activities, and socializing, it can be difficult for them to stay on top of their oral hygiene routines. Here are some ways to help your teenager maintain healthy teeth:
- Encourage them to use a timer or listen to a favorite song while brushing and flossing.
- Stock up on dental hygiene supplies, including soft toothbrushes, flavored floss, and travel-sized products.
- Keep healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables on hand instead of sugary options.
- Provide an athletic mouthguard if they play sports to protect their teeth from injury.
- Talk to them about peer-pressure activities like smoking, drinking, or oral piercings, which can damage their teeth and gums.
6. Creating Lifelong Habits
At Lockwood Family Dental, we believe instilling good dental habits in childhood leads to a lifetime of healthy teeth. Use National Children’s Dental Health Month as an opportunity to reinforce these habits and give your child the tools they need to maintain a healthy smile well into adulthood.
7. Schedule Your Child’s Dental Health Appointment Today!
Ready to set your child up for success with excellent dental health? Contact Lockwood Family Dental to schedule your child’s next appointment. Whether it’s their first visit or a routine checkup, our friendly team is here to ensure your little one has the healthiest smile possible!
