Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is what we call the routine practice of cleaning the mouth, gum tissue, and teeth. Making sure to practice good oral hygiene is vital to your child’s dental and even overall health. It’s the best way to prevent dental diseases such as dental cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis (gum disease), among others.

Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Below are the four essential parts of making sure your child is practicing good at-home oral hygiene:

1. Brushing your child’s teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time
2. Using fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental cavities (a rice-sized smear for children under 3 and just a pea-sized amount for kids over 3-6 years of age)
3. Making sure your child flosses at least once a day
4. Visiting Little Smiles of Delaware every six months for a dental cleaning and an exam

It’s also a good idea to pay close attention to your child’s diet. Avoid allowing your child to eat too much sugar, as this is what will enable bacteria to thrive in your child’s mouth. Foods that are highly acidic can also damage the enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to dental cavities and tooth decay. 

Here at Little Smiles of Delaware, please allow us to teach you and your children all about good oral hygiene and why it’s so important! To make an appointment for your children to receive dental cleanings and exams, please contact our Delaware, Ohio pediatric dental office today. Your family’s dental health is important to us!