5 Ways To Improve Children’s Dental Health
Tuesday - August 9th, 2016
National studies show that one in four children will have at least one cavity before the age of four.
In order to help boost awareness for the importance of kids’ dental health, February was named National Children’s Dental Health Month. We’re celebrating by giving you five key ways you can help keep your kids’ teeth and gums healthy.
- Use the 2-2-2 Rule: To make sure kids have the healthiest teeth, bring them to the dentist two times a year, have them brush and floss two times a day, for two whole minutes. To encourage brushing, try setting goals on a brushing calendar and rewarding kids when they achieve them. You can also have them brush along to a two-minute long song.
- Keep baby’s mouth clean: Before your baby’s teeth have come in, it is still important to keep their mouth and gums clean. Simply run a damp washcloth gently over your baby’s gums daily to help clear away bacteria.
- First toothbrush: Once your child’s teeth start coming in, clean them gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and plain water.
- First dentist visit: Be sure to take your child to their first dental appointment around the time of their first birthday.
- Incorporate toothpaste: Most kids can spit while brushing around the age of two. At this point they will be able to brush their own teeth, using only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure to supervise them closely until they reach age five.
Teaching good dental hygiene early on can set up your kids for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, plus save you time and money in the long run. Sounds like a win-win to us!
