Give Kids A Smile Day
The American Dental Association Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program is on February 7th! Having healthy teeth contributes to the way your child will learn to talk, smile, and chew, which builds his confidence. St. Cloud private schools have teeth-care tips that will help your child feel confident with his smile! Establish good oral health techniques now to develop lifelong habits.
Stages
The goal of good oral hygiene is to prevent plaque from building up. Plaque is a sticky bacteria that accumulates on the teeth and can lead to tooth decay. Here are tips based on age:
Ages 4-24 months: After feedings, dentists recommend you clean the baby’s gums with a damp washcloth or a baby’s brush with water only. When your child’s first tooth comes in, you should brush it for two minutes twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is sized for a child and a pea-sized bit of non-fluoride toothpaste.
Ages 2-4 years: If your child is two and older, use toothpaste with fluoride to prevent decay while the teeth develop. At the age of two, your child should be brushing his own teeth. Be enthusiastic about and make it fun by incorporating a game or buying him a brush designed with his favorite cartoon characters. Supervise and follow up to make sure he did well. You can also brush with him to set an example!
Ages 5-7: At this stage, your child should be brushing his teeth himself. With that said, your child won’t actually have the dexterity to thoroughly clean his teeth until the age of about seven. So continue monitoring and providing help. Make it a family routine every morning and night to get him adjusted to a schedule. Brush and floss behind the top front teeth and behind the bottom front teeth. Behind the bottom front teeth needs more care because it’s prone to the buildup of tartar.
Ages 8 and older: When your child is in school, you have less control over the food they have access to. A good oral health routine comes with healthy eating habits, too. Skip the sugary drinks and instead, pack fruits and vegetables. At this age, your child should be using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, plus a toothbrush that accommodates both permanent and baby teeth.
Nutrition
Limit sugary drinks and opt for a healthy snack over a sippy cup. Sweet drinks are one of the main causes of tooth decay. Encourage him to drink more water to prevent tooth decay. If your child wants a sweet snack, save it for after dinner, when the saliva in your child’s mouth is greater and protects the teeth. Store excess candy in sealed containers and limit the amount your child eats.
At the St. Cloud private schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.