I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
If you have a young child, it is likely you understand how difficult it can be to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. However, your job doesn't end when you get them to stand in front of the sink with their toothbrush and toothpaste. If your child isn't brushing their teeth correctly, they could be compromising their dental health. Below is a guide to 4 common mistakes children make when brushing their teeth.
Brushing very hard
Children will often think that brushing harder is brushing better and that by applying extra pressure they can make their teeth super clean. However, this isn't the case. Brushing very hard will damage the enamel surface of their teeth and could also cause their gums to recede. This will increase the chance that they will develop cavities or gum disease. You should let you child know that they do not need to press the brush hard against their teeth and gums when cleaning their mouth.
Swallowing the toothpaste
While it is normal for a child to occasionally swallow a small quality of toothpaste during brushing, you should discourage this so it does not occur on a regular basis. While toothpaste is not poisonous, if too much is swallowed, the compounds it contains can result in an upset stomach. If a larger quantity is swallowed over an extended period of time, the build up of fluoride within the bloodstream can damage the growth of new teeth.
Brushing right after a meal
Children will often not want to stick to a regular schedule for brushing their teeth. If your child tends to brush at any time of the day, you should make sure they do not do so right after a meal. After eating food, the enamel surface of the teeth softens for a short period. Brushing your teeth during this period can actually strip away the outer layer of the tooth enamel, which will lead to any increased risk of sensitivity and decay.
Missing some areas of the mouth
Children can become easily bored when brushing their teeth. This can cause them to rush their oral hygiene routine by only brushing the teeth that they can see. You should explain to your child that they need to clean every tooth in their mouth. While brushing your teeth with the child, you should explain which teeth you are cleaning as you do it and encourage them to do the same.
If you would like further information about infant oral health, contact a dentist today.
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