Oral Hygiene: Oral Hygiene Recommendations and Guidelines for Children and Caretakers
Welcome to our oral-hygiene instruction blog. In this blog, we will discuss important recommendations and guidelines for children and caretakers to maintain good oral health. We will cover topics like brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene techniques for different age groups and conditions such as braces.
Brushing:
Brushing is a crucial part of maintaining oral hygiene. It is recommended to start brushing once the teeth start to erupt, usually around six months of age. By the age of 2 and 1/2 to 3, children usually have all 20 of their baby teeth.
To brush effectively, wet the toothbrush and apply a smear of toothpaste on the top. This small amount of toothpaste is sufficient to clean all tooth surfaces. Brush at a 45-degree angle towards the tooth, covering the front, top, back, and gum line. Paying extra attention to these areas is important, as the gum line tends to accumulate plaque.
Brushing should ideally last around two minutes. To make it more enjoyable for young children, you can sing songs like the ABCs or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” during brushing. There are also hygiene apps available to help track brushing time.
When choosing toothpaste, for children under the age of three, a smear of toothpaste is recommended. As they grow older, the amount of toothpaste can increase to the size of a frozen pea. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste without rinsing, as fluoride in toothpaste is beneficial for oral health.
It’s essential to consult with your primary-care provider, dentist, or oral-health professional to determine the appropriate amount of fluoride for your child based on their specific needs.
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Flossing:
Flossing is another crucial oral hygiene technique for removing plaque from between the teeth. Use about one arm’s length of dental floss, wrapping it around your ring fingers. Hold the floss with your forefinger and thumb, ensuring a comfortable grip.
Insert the floss between the teeth until you feel a snap or the teeth touching each other. As the floss goes toward the gum line, it should make a “C” shape around the tooth, touching as much of the tooth surface as possible. Move the floss back and forth and up and down between the teeth.
Flossing is recommended for individuals with teeth that touch each other. However, for children under the age of three, flossing may not be necessary until their teeth start touching. It’s important to learn the correct flossing technique from a dental professional and seek assistance if needed.
There are various dental floss products available, such as dental tape with or without fluoride. Both options are healthy and can be used effectively for flossing. If flossing with traditional floss is challenging, floss aids can be helpful in maintaining proper oral hygiene. TAKE QUIZ about your dental care HERE
Oral Hygiene with Braces:
If you or your child have braces, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to oral hygiene. Braces make it more challenging to clean teeth effectively and remove plaque. Alongside regular brushing and flossing, additional tools such as floss aids or smaller toothbrushes can assist in reaching spaces between brackets and wires.
Regular dental visits become even more important with braces. Dentists, orthodontists, or hygienists may recommend more frequent cleanings, usually every four months instead of every six months. These professionals can provide personalized guidance and address any concerns related to maintaining oral hygiene with braces.
Promoting healthy oral habits is essential for optimal oral and systemic health. Through proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, individuals can maintain good oral hygiene. However, it’s important to consult dental professionals and refer to evidence-based guidelines for more specific information.
Thank you for your attention to this blog on oral hygiene. We hope you find the information helpful in your journey towards maintaining optimal oral health for yourself and your children.
