At Dentist of Bixby Knolls, we are big advocates for helping kids develop oral hygiene skills. We’ll go over some basics of oral hygiene for children in this guide.
Oral hygiene refers to the routine used to keep teeth clean and healthy. The basics of good oral hygiene are daily brushing and flossing of teeth. Additional oral hygiene methods include mouthwash or rinse and optionally other tools like a water pick or a tongue scraper.
People who have good oral hygiene habits will tend to have fewer oral health problems over time such as cavities and gum disease. Developing good oral hygiene habits should start as young as possible. If children develop good brushing and flossing habits when they are young, they will be much more likely to maintain those habits into adulthood.
Children (and adults as well) should brush their teeth at least twice per day and floss at least once per day. Teeth should be brushed at night before bed and in the morning after waking up. It’s often a good idea to brush teeth after eating as well. Children should use a soft bristle toothbrush. It is important to choose children’s toothpaste with fluoride in it for maximum cavity prevention.
Kids can generally begin to brush their teeth unsupervised around the age of 6. When your kids are ready to brush their teeth, bring them in to see us at Dentist of Bixby Knolls for a checkup and professional teeth cleaning. Our dental hygienist will also teach your child how to properly brush their teeth and answer any questions they may have.
Tongue scrapers are becoming increasingly popular as a way to help with oral hygiene. This tradition does not come from Western medicine but from Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India. A scraper can be a helpful tool in removing food debris and bacteria from the surface of the tongue.
If you would like your child to use a tongue scraper, this is fine, but purchase one meant for children. A tongue scraper with a single handle might be easier for a child to use than the traditional “horseshoe” shaped tongue scraper.
After brushing and flossing, your child should use a safe, child-friendly fluoride rinse to help prevent cavities. You should supervise your child using any rinse until you are sure that they will spit it out and not swallow it.
Professional dental cleanings for kids are very important. These teeth cleaning sessions at Dentist of Bixby Knolls should be scheduled at least twice per year. The cost for these dental cleanings is often covered entirely by family dental insurance. If not, professional teeth cleanings in the North Long Beach area can start at $75. We also offer financing and payment plans.
If you need a children's dentist in North Long Beach, contact us today at (562) 287-5175 to schedule your appointment at Dentist of Bixby Knolls.
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