Dental Hygiene Tips Your Kids Need to Follow

Learning good dental hygiene tips can keep teeth and gums healthy for a beautiful smile. Good oral hygiene habits not only prevent dental issues, but they also help prevent complications from other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Follow these four dental hygiene tips to keep your kids smiling.

Follow These Dental Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Smile

1. Brush properly twice a day. 

Teach your kids proper brushing techniques early on so they grow up knowing the importance of brushing teeth twice a day.

• Make sure kids have a toothbrush that fits their small mouths and hands, and replace it every season or after illnesses.
• Use a pea-sized amount of kid-friendly toothpaste, and brush each tooth on the front and back using round, short strokes.
• Don't forget to brush the tongue and roof of the mouth.
• Make sure your child brushes for two minutes. Using a timer or a song can help make it fun!

2. Floss well.  

Flossing removes food particles left behind that brushing didn't remove. Not flossing regularly can cause cavities, so it's important to teach your child how to floss. You can purchase special flossing sticks designed for small hands and mouths, or you can use a piece of floss about 18 inches long.

Note: No matter what method you use, make sure to get in between each tooth using a gentle, back-and-forth motion and a clean section of floss per tooth.

3. Limit sodas, candy, and other sugary treats.

When children eat sugary foods and drinks, bacteria and sugars left behind can cause cavities and tooth decay. Tooth decay can lead to all sorts of other health problems, including the inability to speak or eat properly, heart disease, or diabetes. 

4. Visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam.

Visiting a dentist regularly is the only way to make sure your kids' teeth are healthy and growing properly.

Kool Smiles is a network of general dentists and specialists serving children all over the county. We accept Medicaid and TRICARE, certain state-specific insurance plans and most major insurance plans, as well as CareCredit.

Learn Dental Hygiene Tips at Kool Smiles

With over 120 locations nationwide, Kool Smiles is always accepting new patients. Call us today to make an appointment for your child. We'll be happy to explain dental hygiene tips and more when your child comes for a visit.

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Sources: 

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/DentalCaries/DentalCariesChildren2to11.htm

Harvard Health: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/treating-gum-disease-may-lessen-burden-heart-disease-diabetes-conditions-201407237293

Colgate: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/video/No-More-Nasties-Brushing-for-Kids

Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/body/teeth_care.html

CareCredit: http://www.carecredit.com