Did you know that February is Children’s Dental Health Month? That means now is a great time to think about steps you could be taking to help your child protect their teeth and gums. For many parents, this can mean picking up a variety of kid-friendly oral hygiene products. Below, your dentist has given 3 examples of such products that are worth keeping an eye out for if you want the best for your child’s smile.
1. A New Toothbrush
You can’t expect the same toothbrush to last the rest of your child’s life. As the bristles become frayed, the toothbrush will become less effective at removing plaque. It is therefore recommended that you replace your child’s toothbrush every three or four months.
If you’re in the market for a new toothbrush anyway, you may think of picking up an electric one for your child. Compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes do a much better job of getting rid of plaque. On top of that, your little one may find that an electric toothbrush is easier to use. Remember, you can simply replace the head of an electric toothbrush once its bristles start to fray.
2. Child-Friendly Dental Floss
Flossing can make a significant difference when it comes to preventing gum disease. However, less than 50 percent of adults in the United States floss on a daily basis. If you want to ensure that your child picks up the habit of flossing, it is best to start as early in life as possible.
Take your time to explore your options for kid-friendly flossing tools. For example, you may want to think about picking up floss picks, which are small pieces of plastic with a piece of dental floss at one end. Many children have an easier time cleaning their teeth with floss picks compared to traditional string floss.
3. A Child-Friendly Water Flosser
Children with braces may have difficulty flossing the traditional way, but luckily there’s an alternative: a water flosser. This device uses a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and any other hard-to-reach spaces.
There are plenty of water flossers with child-friendly features, such as simple operation and a comfortable grip. Take the time to search for a water flosser that’s just right for your child.
As a parent, it’s up to you to make sure that your child has the tools they need to maintain a healthy smile, so it’s worth putting some thought into the oral hygiene products that they’re using. The items listed above can go a long way toward keeping your child’s teeth safe!
About the Author
Dr. Austin Amos went to the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, and he is proud to be bringing quality dental care to patients of all ages in The Colony. He offers a wide variety of child-friendly services, such as sealants that can reduce the risk of tooth decay. To schedule a visit with Dr. Amos at Ridgepointe Dental for yourself or your child, visit his website or call (972) 625-4746.