Children
form a population group that often has a problem with tooth decay. These "cavity prone years" are no
doubt at least partially related to the fact that young people
sometimes have diets that are very high in sugar consumption.
Additionally, young people can sometimes be less rigorous in
their brushing and flossing habits than is really in their
best interest.
Parents
need to teach their children proper oral care at a young age,
so that they can understand how important it is to take good
care of your teeth. If a child sees their parents taking
good care of their own teeth they will understand its
importance. Also making tooth care a fun experience
will encourage children to take better care of their teeth.
It is
important to teach your child how to protect their teeth and
gums from cavities.
Children should:
Brush
twice a day (just before bed is really important!)
Floss
between teeth and gum line.
Eat a
well-balanced diet. (Limit sugar and starchy food).
The
dental products that you use should contain fluoride.
Visit a
dentist every 6 months.
Brushing
techniques:
Only use a small pea-size
amount of fluoride toothpaste, Make sure you don’t swallow
it!
Use a soft brush and hold the
brush at an angle to your teeth. Brush your teeth gently
backwards and forwards a few times on every tooth.
Clean the insides and outsides
of your teeth using backwards and forwards brushes.
Brush the parts of your teeth
that you chew with.
Face the toothbrush upright
and brush the insides of your front teeth. Use up and down
strokes.
Brush your tongue, and don’t
forget to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste, spit it out
but don’t rinse afterwards.
Flossing should also be
encouraged at a young age.
Healthy
teeth and gums are important for many reasons.
Following
these guidelines will give you lasting protection
problems such as cavities and gum disease and will
make your trip to the dentist a more pleasurable
experience.
Clean,
healthy teeth help keep the rest of your body healthy,
too. And a sparkling smile always helps you look and
feel your best!
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