2 Habits for Keeping Children’s Teeth Healthy

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There are two crucial healthy habits to keeping children’s teeth healthy:

  • Nutrition
  • Good oral hygiene routines

Tips for Nutrition

  • Choose healthy snack options between meals.
  • Try nutritious snacks like cheese, nuts, crunchy apples, or carrots.
  • Only allow water between mealtimes. The sugars from juices will sit on the teeth and promote an environment for cavities to form.
  • Reduce frequency of sugar intake. Continually snacking on sugary treats throughout the day allows the bacteria in your mouth a frequent food source, and acid is then repeatedly produced.
  • No milk at bedtime. Do not let babies or toddlers go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice once teeth have cleaned.
  • Practice healthy habits. Healthy habits are formed the same way as unhealthy ones—though practice.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene Routines

  • Brush twice a day. Brush in the morning and night before bedtime.
  • Use a timer. Brush for a full two minutes, twice a day. Try setting a timer.
  • Apply a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Around approximately 3 years old or when the child can effectively spit the toothpaste out of their mouth, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Brush all tooth surfaces. Brush the inside, the outside, and biting surfaces of the teeth.
  • Brush toward the gumline where bacteria easily build up. Place the bristles along the teeth and gumline at a 45-degree angle. Brush in a small back and forth motion or small circles towards the gumline with light pressure.
  • An adult should assist the child with oral hygiene. Most children need help brushing until the age of 10. The child can start brushing and then the caregiver can help them brush the hard to reach spots, like the back teeth.
  • Brush your child’s teeth. You can brush in the bathroom, but there are other options. It is often convenient to brush with your child lying down, head nearest to you, for example on the changing table or in bed. As the child gets older, they can sit your lap, leaning their head on your arm.
  • Create a positive atmosphere around brushing. Play a song or story during this time.
  • Replace the toothbrush every 3 months. If your child is sick or you start to notice the bristles flaring out on the toothbrush you need to replace more frequently.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. Your dental professional give advice on healthy oral habits, review recommendations related to teething, pacifier use, finger or thumb sucking, review fluoride recommendations, and let you know of any risk factors.

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