Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month

It's Dental Hygiene Month. Every October, since 2009, Dental Hygiene occupies the same month as Halloween trick-or-treaters collecting candy. It's the ideal time to stress how important dental hygiene is for kids. Our dentist and dental hygienist are eager to spread the word about preventing cavities in children. No parent or caregiver wants to see their child suffer from decay or have to get a cavity filled if it is a preventable problem. Besides, when kids learn good dental hygiene habits at a young age, they are much more likely to continue them when they become adults.

Help stop those cavities by making an appointment at our dental office today!

What Do Dental Hygienists Do?

A dental hygienist is a well-trained oral health professional who plays an important role in a dental office. A hygienist is responsible for maintaining their patient's dental health with a variety of preventative measures, including professional teeth cleanings. Hygienists will scrape plaque and tartar off teeth, professionally floss them, and polish the teeth with a special abrasive toothpaste. If they notice any issues with the patient's teeth or gums, they may also take and process x-rays and apply fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Your child's hygienist will also educate patients about maintaining their dental health at home and offer tips for products that will make the job easier. They also offer tips for eating a tooth-healthy diet.

If you want to see a dental hygienist as part of your dental exam in Virginia Beach, please call our office.

What's a Good Way to Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month?

Go over your at home oral care routine and make sure you and your family are not missing anything. Make it a point to ensure your child understands how important their dental health is, and why they need to protect it. You can also celebrate Dental Hygiene Month by making sure the kids who come to your door get treats, but not necessarily candy. You can buy large packs of glow sticks, Halloween plastic jewelry, or notebooks instead. Also, make sure you set the best example you can by doing everything you tell your child to do. These things include:

Brushing Twice a Day 

Until your child is about six years old, you'll have to brush their teeth for them. Here is what you do:

1. Take the toothbrush and put a small amount of children's fluoride toothpaste on it. Don't use your adult toothpaste.
2. Hold the toothbrush at an upward angle and gently brush using circular motions.
3. Brush the front, back, and chewing surface on each tooth.
4. Have your child spit out any excess toothpaste and not rinse afterward.

Once your child brushes, don't let them have anything with sugar, even orange juice, before going to bed. The sugar can remain on the teeth all night and start the decay process.

It should take about two minutes to brush your child's teeth, unless they only have a few teeth. Play a song for them to make the task go quickly. There are toothbrushing songs on YouTube that will keep them entertained while you brush or supervise them.

If your child is at least three years old, you can get them an electric toothbrush. Several companies make specifically for kids with handles that adapt to small hands and small heads that fit in the mouth easily. Electric toothbrushes work just as well, if not better, than manual ones. Your child may actually have fun brushing. If you have an electric toothbrush, you can move them up to an electric toothbrush and they'll think they are growing up.

Flossing for Kids 

Between age two and six, your child will have at least two teeth that fit closely together. This is the time to start flossing. Our dentist in Virginia Beach or our dental hygienist can show you how to do this if you're having trouble. String floss can be tricky, but there are many options to choose from. Once a child is age six or older, they can use a special children's water flosser. Many kids find this fun, as they are attacking the plaque that can cause them cavities.

Is Mouthwash Safe for Children? 

If you practice dental hygiene with your child, they may see you using mouthwash and think gargling looks interesting. Your child should be at least six before you consider letting them use a kid's mouthwash. You have to supervise them, as they can easily swallow the mouthwash and that should be avoided. Usually children over age twelve are capable of doing this. Do not leave mouthwash lying around where children can reach it if you have young children. The bottles of kid's mouthwash can look and smell like a tempting drink. Ask your dentist or hygienist if they believe your child needs mouthwash. Some don't need it, while others, especially older kids, get embarrassed about bad breath.

The Last Part of the Dental Care Puzzle

Your child needs regular dental exams starting at age one. As soon as they have one tooth in their mouth, they can get a cavity. Dentists offer preventative care to help prevent cavities, and to keep you child's mouth healthy. Kids deserve a nice smile and teeth that don't cause them pain.

For more tips and tricks, call for an appointment with our dentist in Virginia Beach.