BrightSmiles Pediatric: How to Take Care of your Teeth
Are you ready to learn how to take care of your pearly whites? Taking care of your teeth is super important, not just for a "brightsmile," but also for a healthy body. So let's get started!
Brush, brush, brush! The first and most important step in taking care of your teeth is brushing them regularly. Starting when your first tooth comes in, brush at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. 0-3 yr olds - use a "smear" or "rice" size amount of fluoride toothpaste. 3-6 yr olds - use a "pea" size amount. Sing a song, watch a video, or use a timer to make sure you reach 2 minutes! Brush all of your teeth, including the ones in the back and the ones on the sides, the "baby" teeth and the "adult" ones too. Brushing your teeth properly gets rid of sugar bugs that cause cavities and also strengthens your teeth as well. Kids need "assisted" brushing until they're 8, and "supervised" brushing until they're 12.
Floss like a boss! Brushing alone isn't enough to clean your teeth completely. That's where flossing comes in. And no, not the dance! Flossing helps to remove sugar bugs from in between your teeth, which is a wonderful hiding spot for bacteria. Use any floss you like and be gentle when you slide the floss between your teeth.
Say no to sugary snacks and especially sugary drinks! So, how much sugar is too much? Well, the American Heart Association recommends that kids should eat no more than 6 teaspoons (or 25 grams) of added sugar per day. That might not sound like a lot, but trust us, it can add up quickly! A can of soda can have as much as 10 teaspoons of sugar, and a candy bar can have up to 8 teaspoons. Now, we're not saying you should never have a sugary treat again - that would be no fun! But it's important to make sure you're not eating too much sugar every day. Instead of reaching for that candy bar, try eating a piece of fruit or some veggies and drink plenty of water! Drinking water is not only good for your body, but it's also good for your teeth. Water helps to wash away any food particles and bacteria that may be on your teeth. Plus, if you drink fluoridated water, it can help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities as well.
Visit your pediatric dentist regularl Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, it's still important to visit the pediatric dentist regularly. Children should see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth, whichever comes first. This may seem early, but it's important to start dental check-ups at a young age to ensure that children's teeth and gums are healthy and developing properly. Preventing cavities is preferred over treating cavities, so the earlier, the better. Children should visit their pediatric dentist every six months for routine check-up and cleanings.
So there you have it! Four easy steps to taking care of your teeth. Remember, taking care of your teeth is not only important for a healthy mouth, but also for a healthy body. Keep brushing and flossing, limit sugary foods and drinks, visit the pediatric dentist routinely and you'll have a "brightsmile" that will last a lifetime!
