Oral health is a lifelong habit that you can teach your children. It’s not something you need to work exceptionally hard at since you’ll be leading them through a routine you already do yourself! Take the lead this month, Oral Health Awareness Month, to try some new activities to keep your and your child’s oral health in check and find an oral care routine that fits you. Continue reading to learn more. 

ADULTS: LEARN HOW TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH PROPERLY

It may not seem like it, but there is a right and wrong way to brush your teeth. If you are unsure about what type of toothbrush you should use, we recommend looking for a soft-bristled toothbrush as it won’t be abrasive to the enamel on your teeth. Additionally, you want to find a toothbrush with a toothbrush head that fits comfortably in your mouth.

Remember, you should replace your toothbrush at least three times per year; you’ll know it’s time when the bristles begin to fray.

 

To properly brush your teeth:

• At a 45-degree angle, move your toothbrush in short, back and forth circles. 
• Make sure you clean the internal and external surfaces of your teeth. 
• Avoid eating for 30-minutes after brushing your teeth. 

For a visual aid, please reference this Colgate and American Dental Association “How to Brush” graphic.  

 

Not only is brushing your teeth important, but we recommend flossing daily, too! Effectively flossing can help remove plaque and any food that has become stuck between your teeth. After flossing, we recommend rinsing your mouth. 

 

HELP YOUR CHILD BRUSH THEIR TEETH 

Did you know that most children have a full set of teeth by the time they’re three? That’s right! And, it’s important to encourage healthy and safe oral health habits even at a young age. 

 

To determine the best oral health routine for your child, we recommend making an appointment with a dentist by the time your child turns one. This encourages a lifelong friendship with their dentist, and they’ll continue to foster an educational outlook on keeping their teeth healthy. 

 

Next, we recommend helping your child keep their gums clean. For small children, use a wet cloth after eating or drinking and rub it against their gums; this also helps to keep away harmful bacteria. 

 

Additionally, we recommend that you begin brushing your child’s teeth with an infant toothbrush when their first tooth erupts, around the age of one. 

 

Lastly, you should introduce flossing when two of your child’s teeth touch. 

 

For more insights on helping your child brush their teeth effectively, click here. If you are looking for a fun way to help your child keep track of brushing their teeth, please reference this Colgate and American Dental Association Teeth Brushing Calendar here. 

 

9 IDEAS TO MAKE TEETH BRUSHING FUN

When coming up with ideas to make teeth brushing fun, it can seem like there aren’t any. Here are our top 9 tips that even we practice!

 

1. 1. Make it special: Make the experience special by playfully using the toothbrush as a microphone or make funny faces in the mirror together. 
   2. Customize it: Have your child pick out their toothbrush. 
   3. Dance it out: Music can make anything you do fun – even chores like brushing your teeth. Press play and dance to a fun song while you scrub the cavities away. 
   4. Tell a story: Use your child’s favorite TV show, movie, or book character to tell a story.
   5. Reward: Rewarding your child for good behavior motivates them to continue participating in a healthy habit. 
   6. Let them be in charge: Tell them it’s their turn to do the brushing. Let them brush the teeth of a stuffed animal or doll while you brush their teeth.
   7. Encourage: Gentle encouragement will reinforce in your child that they are doing something right. 
   8. Inform: Explain the importance of proper dental care and good dental habits in a playful way.
   9. Make adjustments, when needed: Using cold water can be off-putting for some. Use warm water to change it up and see if your child will like that better.

For a fun graphic, click here to view our “How to Make Teeth Brushing Fun” visual. 

 

ENCOURAGE HEALTHY EATING

An individual’s diet and nutrition habits can affect an individual’s oral health, as well as the progression of oral diseases or erosion. It’s important to promote healthy eating habits, including:

 

• Eating foods and drinks such as dairy, fish, mint, strawberries, leafy vegetables and high-fiber foods, carrots, celery, nuts, apples and chocolate.
• Cutting out sugary foods such as soda, candy and bread. 

 

VISIT THE DENTIST REGULARLY | FIND AN ORAL CARE ROUTINE FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

We want to make sure that you and your family have fun keeping your teeth clean and healthy. That’s why we recommend going to your dental check-ups regularly.  At The Landing Dental Spa, we offer many amenities to make time with us as comfortable and fun as possible for everyone in the family! If you need a dental appointment, please give us a call at 304-594-2200.