Our Elmhurst dentists love working with our young patients to help them develop positive and lasting oral hygiene habits. Every time that your child comes into our office for treatments, we will talk to him or her about the ins and outs of dental care.
Naturally, one of the first oral hygiene habits that many young people develop is brushing twice a day. Here are some factors to keep in mind and emphasize when helping your child brush:
1. Don’t skip!
Number one: consistency is key. You really do need to be brushing twice a day—one in the morning, and once before bed—in order to reap full oral hygiene benefits.
2. Take your time
Don’t rush through the brush! Every time that you brush your teeth, try to brush for at least two minutes. You can even play one of your child’s favorite songs during teeth cleaning time, to keep track of how long he or she has been brushing.
3. Be gentle
Many kids brush too hard, because they think that is the best way to really clean their teeth. Unfortunately, this can actually lead to inadvertent dental damage and gum tissue recession. Encourage your child to use soft, gentle, circular motions in order to clean his or her teeth.
4. Pick the right tools
Your child should be using a toothbrush that is appropriately sized for him or her. It is important that the head of the toothbrush can fit comfortably in the back corners of your child’s smile—these are key areas that are prone to plaque build-up.
As always, our Elmhurst dentists are just a phone call away—we have the answers to any questions that you may have about pediatric dental care. And please feel free to schedule a consultation if you’d like to set up a dental consultation for your child!