When it comes to your child’s dental hygiene and lifelong oral health, it’s important that they begin to create good habits at an early age. In order to put them on a path for success, you should begin thinking about your child’s oral health even before their first tooth begins to grow in! In this article, we’ll talk about three dental hygiene tips for children that can help keep their teeth and gums in tip-top-shape from the time they are infants all the way through their teenage years and beyond! If you have any questions about your child’s dental hygiene or are looking for a pediatric dentist in the Southern Maine region, Gentle Dental Maine is here to help! Contact us today to become a patient at one of our offices in Biddeford, Topsham, or South Portland!
The 2-2-2 Dental Hygiene Rule
One great way to keep your child’s oral hygiene in great shape is by practicing the 2-2-2 rule with them. The 2-2-2 rule is a good way to teach your children that they should be:
- Brushing and flossing their teeth two times per day
- Brushing their teeth for two whole minutes each time they brush
- Visiting the dentist for a checkup & teeth cleaning two times per year
By following the 2-2-2 rule, you can instill great oral hygiene practices in your children from a young age!
Teach Good Brushing Habits
Another way to establish good oral hygiene practices with your child from a young age is to teach them good brushing habits. Not only should you be teaching them to follow the 2-2-2 rule by brushing twice a day for two minutes each, but they should also learn proper brushing techniques. Help your child use the correct amount of toothpaste and brush each tooth in a soft, circular motion in order to make sure that every tooth and gap is free & clear of plaque and food residue.
Ask Your Child’s Dentist About Dental Sealants
One more great way to keep your child’s oral health in great condition is to speak to their dentist about applying dental sealants, which are highly effective at preventing cavities and decay in children. Children are the age group that are most vulnerable for cavities, so it’s important to do everything you can to prevent tooth decay from a young age. Dental sealants are a thin, composite resin material that are painted onto the surface of the teeth. Sealants help keep food debris and bacteria out of the tough-to-reach areas of children’s teeth, helping prevent cavities and decay. Dental sealants are completely safe, non-invasive, pain-free, and last multiple years before they need to be replaced!
Contact Gentle Dental Maine!
If you have any additional questions about your child’s oral hygiene routine, dental sealants, or any other pediatric dental practice, please contact our team at Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services for patients of all ages at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at any one of our offices, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website!