While the family schedule is back into full swing with school, sports, and the regular routine, many families use this time of year to schedule their dental check-ups. While crucial to your oral, and indeed your overall bodily health, many children and teens are apprehensive about going to the dentist. As you get back into the swing of things this fall, we ask you to consider what your family’s routines are when it comes to their dental health. What can your family do at home to make your next trip to the dentist a cause to celebrate as opposed to something to feel anxious about? This month, we ask you to consider: “Am I doing enough at home so my 6-month dental check-up and cleaning can be as quick and easy as possible?”
Taking good care of your teeth is essential for a lifetime of good oral health. Even if you have been told that you have “strong” or “good” teeth that is no excuse to neglect your routine! Good oral health begins at home and a strong routine ensures that each trip to the dentist is a happy occasion.
1. Brush Your Teeth Before Bed
We know that we are supposed to brush our teeth twice a day, but it is often tempting to go straight to bed after a long night or a hectic evening. Brushing your teeth every evening ensures that you establish a good habit and get rid of the plaque and germs that accumulate in your mouth and on your teeth throughout the day. The less plaque on your teeth, the easier the cleaning at the dentist. soft bristles. They also state that people should change their toothbrush every 3 months or when the ends start to look frayed, whichever comes first.
2. Brush Your Tongue
Yes! Your tongue needs attention too! Plaque can also build up on your tongue, so every time you brush your teeth you need to pay attention to your tongue. Brushing your tongue gently in a downward motion helps to remove the plaque that can build up throughout the day, affecting not only your oral health but causing bad breath. Simply taking care of your tongue while brushing your teeth eliminates these problems.
3. Flossing is as Important as Brushing
Flossing can be difficult, especially for younger children. Instead of ignoring it, or not incorporating it into your at-home dental routine, look for ways to include it in your children’s routine it a simplified way. Ready-made flossers are a good option that help to navigate difficult or hard to reach places in your mouth and are friendly to little fingers.
4. Eat Fruits and Veggies
While pre-packaged and ready-to-go meals are convenient for busy families, they are not always beneficial to your child’s oral health. Eating crunchy foods helps to build up jaw strength and prevents soft foods from grinding into the crevices of children’s teeth. The healthy fiber is an added bonus- and by avoiding the processed sugar that exists in grab-and-go snacks and quick fixes, it’s a win all around.
A trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be traumatic for your children! As Dr. Jokmels likes to say: “By practicing good oral health at home, you will spend less time at the dentist” – it’s that easy! Looking for more tooth-friendly talk? Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CapstoneDentalCareSmile or give us a call at 714.415.2568 to let us help you along your oral health journey!