Teeth Brushing in Olympia, WA

Dental caries, which we know as cavities or tooth decay, are the most common childhood disease worldwide. Gum disease affects about 20% of children between five and 11 years of age. When hormones begin to change, the risk of gum disease increases. The good news is that cavities and gum disease are preventable. Twice-daily teeth brushing greatly reduces the risk of these conditions.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most American public water supplies contain a safe level of fluoride, an important mineral for strengthening tooth enamel. Drinking tap water helps prevent cavities!

Your Role in Daily Dental Hygiene

As a parent or caregiver, you play an essential role in your child’s oral health.

The words you use when discussing daily dental care will greatly impact your child’s response, so try to maintain a positive attitude. Also, demonstrate good personal oral hygiene habits, and encourage your child to perform thorough, twice-a-day brushing alongside you.

Here are the basic responsibilities parents and caregivers have in helping their children practice good dental hygiene at home.

• Establish a consistent, twice-a-day brushing habit
• Allow your child to brush and floss with you
• Brush and floss for your child until they are able to do the job themselves
• Maintain a supply of age-appropriate toothpaste and (optional) mouthwash
• Replace your child’s toothbrush every three or four months
• Once your child brushes independently, check their work and help re-brush if necessary
• Adolescents and teens need reminders and encouragement to brush and floss daily; hormone changes increase the risk of developing gum disease
• Feed your children a healthy diet, rich in nutrients and low in starches, especially sugars

How to Effectively Brush Children’s Teeth

You’ve been brushing your teeth for decades, so let’s get back to basics. These instructions detail the steps for effective teeth brushing at home.

• Place a pea-sized drop of toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush
• Brush all surfaces of every tooth, brushing for two minutes
• Allow your child to spit the toothpaste out as needed while brushing
• Rinse your child’s mouth with tap water
• Before bed, floss your child’s teeth before brushing

If you have questions about your child’s daily brushing habits, please ask us. Call our office or bring your questions to your kiddo’s next appointment. We are always pleased to help parents understand their children’s oral health and support their daily brushing habits. It is our mission to instill healthy habits that last a lifetime!

Choosing the Best Tools and Products

On the dental products aisle of your local big-box store, market, or pharmacy, you’ll find a wide selection of toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and more. Baby toothbrushes look different from toddler toothbrushes. Some styles fit on your finger like the finger of a glove, for ease of brushing tiny mouths.

Children’s toothbrushes can feature popular characters, teeth-brushing timers, and various-sized brush heads. Always select a soft-bristled brush, unless our dentist advises differently, and make sure the brush head is the right size for your child’s mouth. Let your kids choose the brush they like best, so they’ll look forward to brushing their teeth.

Toothpaste comes in many flavors, but young kids tend to like the bubble gum or orange-flavored paste best. Minty toothpaste can feel harsh on little tongues, but teenagers tend to enjoy the fresh feel and fragrance of mint toothpaste.

How We Help Parents and Kids with Preventive Dentistry

As your partners in dental care for your children, Harbor Kids Dental is dedicated to helping you teach good brushing habits. We can demonstrate in our office, if you think it would be helpful for you or your child. We also want to answer all your questions about establishing an effective, consistent oral homecare routine for your kids.

We help by offering:

• Advice and tips for home hygiene
• Dental sealants for hard-to-brush molars
• Dental fluoride supplements at checkups
• Twice-a-year checkups and dental cleanings
• Restorative dental care as needed

Excellent Care for Your Child’s Teeth

You can always expect your child to have an awesome Kidsperience in our office. Give us a call today to schedule a checkup, cleaning, or an appointment to address any of your dental concerns. We can’t wait to meet you!