Feb 12, 2019
Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? This month-long health observance is all about promoting the benefits of good oral health. This year’s slogan is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.” We couldn’t agree more! We want to help you and your family start a lifetime of healthy habits and keep your kids smiling! Along with a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist, getting your kids to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes is the place to start. Sometimes keeping your kids on a healthy track can be tricky, so we decided to share some of our basic brushing tips for kids. It can be as easy as ABC!
The ABCs
Start brushing your children’s teeth when they first appear with a small, soft-bristled brush. Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using an amount of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under the age of 3. For children 3 and older, toothpaste the size of a pea is recommended. Help your children brush every tooth surface: inside, outside, and the chewing surface. For more tips and a helpful video, check out the ADA’s Mouth Healthy Website.
Make it Fun!
Toothbrush dance party? Yes, please! There are lots of ways to make those two minutes enjoyable. Start by letting your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. There are lots of bright colors and cool characters to choose from, and some yummy and even sparkly fluoride toothpaste flavors out there. Just make sure they choose a toothbrush and toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval.
When it’s time to brush, put on a favorite song and have a mini-dance party. Here are some fun teeth-brushing songs to check out. You can also read a silly story with characters your child loves to encourage brushing. Playing pretend works, too: your child is a superhero brushing away “the bad guys.” Ka-Pow! Being creative and making the task feel like a game rather than a chore helps kids keep it up.
Reward Good Brushing Behavior.
It can be helpful to think about what motivates your child and give them an opportunity to earn a reward every time they brush. Maybe it’s as simple as giving them a high-five, or maybe they get a sticker each time. Positive reinforcement can go a long way with your children, so remember to offer lots of encouragement when they brush. Those teeth are going to look terrific!
Make it a Family Routine.
You are your child’s best teacher and best example. Show them how you brush and floss your teeth each day. Bring them to the dentist with you so they get comfortable with the experience of visiting the dentist. When your children see you have good oral health habits, they will pick it up, too!
If you have questions about your child’s oral health or need to schedule an appointment for them, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are here to help your family have great oral health and happy, healthy smiles!
*Image courtesy of www.pioneerschool.us
May 31, 2014
Brushing has become such a staple in our everyday routine, that it has become easy for us to take it for granted. In our morning rush to get ready for school and work, we often speed through brushing in an attempt to make up some lost time. Of course, this is the last place we should be looking to cut corners. Here are 8 common brushing mistakes that are harming your teeth.
1.) You aren’t brushing long enough. We recommend brushing for 2-3 minutes, but chances are you probably only brush for around a minute on average. Some solutions could be: take a timer into the bathroom and set it for at least 2 minutes, get an electric toothbrush with a built in timer that you can set, or our favorite, listen to or hum your favorite song while you brush!
2.) You’re not paying attention to what you’re doing. You’re brushing alright…but chances are you aren’t looking in the mirror watching what you’re doing. Concentrate a little more on those tough to get places (like the gum line!) by watching yourself in the mirror as you brush those areas. It will help you do a better job.
3.) Your technique needs a MAJOR makeover. Your enamel is strong, but that doesn’t mean it is bulletproof. Brushing in straight lines by only moving front and back can damage enamel over time and be similar to sawing down a tree. Instead, focus on a few teeth at a time and brush in little circles and mix in brushing in all directions (up, down, front back). When you are done brushing in circles, go around your mouth again and brush away from the gum line to clear away the loosened plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth.
4.) Take it easy! You’re probably brushing too hard and using a toothbrush that is too tough. There is no need and it is actually harming your teeth. Try gripping your toothbrush between only your thumb and your pointer finger and middle finger as opposed to grasping your brush with your whole hand. This will put less force behind your brushing.
5.) You’re using the wrong toothbrush. Buy a soft or ultra soft toothbrush. Anything else is too tough and will harm your teeth over time. Make sure you replace your toothbrush every 3 months, too – or sooner if the bristles start to wear down.
6.) You’re using the wrong toothpaste. Baking soda toothpastes and other heavy duty cleaning chemical toothpastes are abrasive, which means they not only remove stains, they also potentially damaging your enamel if used over a long period of time. Use anything ADA approved – here is a list for you to choose from http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/ada-seal-products/product-category/?supercategory=2
7.) You aren’t flossing. There isn’t a toothbrush available that can reach all the spaces in between your teeth. Just not going to happen. That is where flossing comes in. It is necessary. If using floss is difficult for you, then purchase the flosser sticks that are easy to use and maneuver in your mouth. Between the teeth is where bacteria most often forms and can eventually lead to tooth decay if not dealt with. So deal with it. Tip: try flossing in front of the TV to make it seem like less of a pain or hassle.
8.) You aren’t rinsing after brushing. Brush, floss, rinse. Brushing and flossing (when done right) loosen up the bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth. Rinsing afterwards with an alcohol-free mouthwash will wash the bacteria and plaque away. If you don’t have mouthwash, rinsing with water is better than nothing.
Source: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/8-bad-brushing-habits-harm-your-teeth
