Helpful Dental Hygiene Tips for Kids

Here are some good dental hygiene tips for kids that can be used to help your kids have a healthy smile today and in the future. We encourage parents to take this information and apply it on a daily basis for optimal results.

Remember to call our office and schedule an appointment for professional dental cleaning since, ultimately, that is still necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Good dental hygiene tips for kids

1. Buy a new toothbrush

Too many parents forget to buy their kids a new toothbrush on a regular basis. If a child continues to use a toothbrush that is old, the bristles are frayed or full of bacteria, this will only increase the risk for oral health problems. It is important to buy a new toothbrush every couple of months or when it begins to smell bad or look funny.

2. Drink more water

Hydration is incredibly important for the health of the body and for oral hygiene. The more water a child drinks, the easier it is to brush away food particles and plaque that builds up on the teeth. We encourage parents to purchase a water bottle and have their children carry it to school on a daily basis to ensure that they continue drinking throughout the day.

3. Chew gum with xylitol

One of the easiest things that parents can do is to purchase gum containing xylitol. It can be bought online or at a health food store. Chewing it can decrease the likelihood of a child developing cavities.

4. Eat a healthy diet

Some foods can weaken the teeth and make it more likely that they will suffer from decay. For example, eating a diet that is high in sugar and processed carbohydrates is bad for the teeth. At the same time, eating a healthy diet can actually serve to strengthen teeth. For this, we recommend eating lean protein, dairy products, nuts, vegetables and drinking milk.

5. Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time

It is important to remember the two-minute rule and to brush long enough to remove plaque and food particles that build on the teeth. Two minutes are typically long enough to get a good clean. Purchase toothbrushes that have a built-in timer or buy a timer that can be placed on the counter.

6. Consider a fluoride treatment

When fluoride is applied to the teeth, it can strengthen them and reduce the likelihood of a child developing tooth decay. We recommend having a fluoride treatment once a year at least.

Why does this all matter?

Visit the dentist

Ultimately, good dental hygiene tips for kids are important but it is still necessary to visit our dentist office at least once a year but preferably twice. Taking steps at home to keep teeth and gums healthy and visiting our office will make it more likely that a child will remain in good oral health now and as they age. Request an appointment in our Gilroy dental office here: . Call us at (408) 842-2818 for more information from Gilroy Dental Associates.