One critical aspect of childcare that’s often overlooked is maintaining and encouraging optimal dental health. Given the link between oral and overall wellness, it’s important to highlight some of the best practices when it comes to children’s oral hygiene. Here are three must-know tips from your trusted family dentist in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month this February!
1. Ensure Your Child Is Brushing Correctly
It’s true that children and adults alike need to brush their teeth twice every day for two minutes each time. However, if your child isn’t using the proper brushing method, it won’t do nearly as much good. If your kid tends to brush their teeth unattended, this month you should check on their brushing habits; you might even be able to provide them with a useful tip or bit of encouragement. Children tend to take after adults, too, so it’s also a good opportunity to make brushing a family activity. A positive outlook toward oral hygiene makes it easier to stick with good habits!
2. Replace Their Toothbrush as Needed
Toothbrushes see a lot of use—and like any tool, once it’s starting to show signs of wear, it’s no longer able to function as intended. Your child’s toothbrush (as well as your own) should be replaced every 3 to 4 months or sooner if you notice that the bristles have become frayed. You should also replace your child’s toothbrush if they’ve recently been sick, as using the same one might end up reinfecting them. Consider letting your child pick out their own toothbrush the next time they need a new one; it might encourage them to want to use it regularly!
3. View Their Dentist as a Valuable Ally
As important as at-home oral hygiene is, it’s still only one side of the coin; the other is routine preventive care. During dental checkups and cleanings, your child’s dentist is given the chance to inspect their smile and ensure there aren’t any present issues—and if there are, they can quickly treat them. Of course, the checkup also includes a detailed and thorough cleaning of the teeth that simply cannot be carried out at home. And at the end of the appointment, it’s also common for children to receive a fluoride treatment that only further bolsters their smile’s wellness. Finally, both children and parents alike have the chance to ask questions and seek advice, which only further assists the at-home oral care effort.
Making an appointment for your child with their dentist is one of the best ways to honor Children’s Dental Health Month—and better yet, you’re ensuring that their second appointment of the year falls around the start of school, which is great if you like planning ahead!
About the Practice
The team at Rowley Family Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Melbourne, FL area for over a decade under the talented leadership of Dr. Nicholas Rowley, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options in addition to children’s dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to get an appointment scheduled for your child, you can trust Dr. Rowley and his team to get your smile squared away! Feel free to contact the team online or by phone for information or assistance. Telephone: (321) 723-1772.