Proper Daily Oral Care: A Program for Kids

It's never too soon to show your child how to exercise proper oral hygiene.  Dental care begins when the first tooth comes in and lasts for a lifetime.

Encourage good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly yourself and encouraging your child to join you.  Brush at least two times every day with a fluoride toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).  Explain to your child that regular brushing removes the plaque from food that can cause tooth decay and cavities. Show your child how to brush back and forth, at the gum line, behind teeth and even brush the tongue for outstanding oral hygiene.

Besides brushing, your child needs to know the importance of flossing daily to remove plaque that build in between teeth and under the gum line that can develop into harmful tartar.  Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks and avoid sugary foods that produce plaque acids.  Discuss vitamins with fluoride and fluorinated water with your pediatrician.

Finally, schedule regular dental checkups.  The dentist will discuss good oral hygiene habits with your child and correct areas that need improvement. The behaviors you teach your child about taking proper care of their teeth today will form the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.