At Kids Teeth, we love using this special month to connect with schools, daycares, churches, and parents to educate children about the importance of good oral health. Through our fun and interactive puppet show, kids learn:
- The importance of healthy foods and drinks
- How to brush and floss properly
- When to visit the dentist
This essential health information helps children understand how to care for their teeth at home! For those that have not seen our Kids Teeth Puppet Show, here are a few of the top tips we review with the kids during our visits.
Top 5 Brushing Tips for Kids:
Our teeth play such an important role in our everyday lives and overall health. They help us speak clearly, chew food properly, and share beautiful smiles with the world. That’s why it’s so essential to start caring for your child’s teeth at a young age. Here are five tips to help your child maintain a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime:
1. Brush AFTER breakfast for a full TWO minutes.
Why? When breakfast consists of food and drinks containing lots of sugar or carbs, like sugary cereals and apple juice, brushing after a meal can help reduce bacteria in your child’s mouth and prevent tooth decay. Plus, it helps get rid of morning breath!
2. Parents assist with bedtime brushing.
Children under the age of eight often need assistance from a parent to brush their teeth properly, as they typically lack the dexterity to reach all surfaces effectively. At Kids Teeth, we recommend standing behind your child during bedtime brushing. This position allows you to guide their hand and ensure that every surface of their teeth is thoroughly cleaned – outsides, insides, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
3. Begin flossing as soon as the back teeth start to touch
4. Brush the tongue
Your child’s tongue has crevices and grooves where bacteria love to hide and stick. This buildup can cause bad breath and even contribute to cavities or gum disease. Encourage your child to brush their tongue during brushing to remove harmful bacteria and prevent stinky breath. A healthy tongue should look pink—not white!
5. Visit the dentist twice a year
Your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Regular visits every six months allow the Pediatric Dentist to assess brushing habits, answer questions about mouth development, and identify areas needing extra care. To support parents in starting dental care early, we offer complimentary visits for children under 18 months.
Bonus tip – DRINK WATER!!
Sipping water is one of the best ways to protect your child’s teeth. It helps fight tooth decay and decreases the chance of cavities. Water naturally cleans the mouth by rinsing away sugars from drinks and starchy snack residues (like goldfish). Plus, it’s a healthy habit that benefits their overall health too!
Want to learn more?
We’ll show you step-by-step at your child’s dental visit! Regular six-month check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. These bi-annual visits give your dentist the opportunity to review and reinforce healthy brushing and flossing habits, monitor jaw and tooth development, and diagnose any cavities or areas needing special attention. Give our office a call (843) 216-5879 or request an appointment online to schedule an appointment at Kids Teeth. We’d love to meet you soon!