To floss or not to floss is not the question. We all know children need to get on board with flossing. If you are wondering why your kids should floss, when they should floss, and/or how often they should floss, here are some things your child's dentist wants you to know.
How Soon Should Children Start Flossing?
How soon should children start flossing? As soon as they have two teeth touching each other, because that is when food particles start getting stuck between teeth.
They will probably need your help until age 10 or 11 because children do not typically get good hand-eye coordination until around the ages of 8-10 and they might not get all the food particles. When they're older, they'll also have the manual dexterity to do a good job.
Why Do Children Need to Floss?
Simply put, our children need to floss to prevent cavity and gum disease. Plaque that isn't removed by flossing and brushing can harden and cause problematic tartar also known as, calculus.
Is There an Ideal Time to Floss?
Decisions, decisions, decisions. You may have heard that old song, "The Night Time is the Right Time!" That may be the "right time" to be with the one you love, as the song says, but is there a right time or a wrong time to floss?
Should children floss before or after they brush their teeth? Surprisingly, more people floss before they brush than after. They're probably thinking if they get little food particles out by flossing, then they can brush and gargle them away. However, many dentists say it doesn't matter.
The important thing is that your children do floss every time they brush. So how often should they brush? Twice daily is normally recommended. However, if your child wants to be fanatic about something, brushing and flossing more often won't hurt.
Just make sure that when you're teaching your child to floss that you teach him or her to throw the floss away after using it and don’t save it for later. They might be "saving" bacteria, which will get back on their teeth when they floss the next time.
Act Now
If you haven't begun to educate your children on maintaining a healthy mouth, start now! If it's time for your child's next dental appointment, call our office today to schedule a visit with Playtime Dental.
Of all your baby's milestones, one of the most exciting is the arrival of the first baby tooth. Teething occurs when the first baby tooth begins breaking through the baby's gums. You may not know what to expect during this time in your baby's life, so we've put together a list of the five things you need to know when it comes to teething.
1. When Teething Begins
The lower front baby teeth usually come in first. One to two months later, the upper front teeth make their appearance. This phase usually begins at about six months but it can be anytime between three and 12 months. All the primary teeth should come in by age 3.
2. Signs of Teething
Drooling is typical when baby teeth come. Keep a bib handy to wipe the chin to avoid chapping. Drooling may cause the development of a rash or redness. Have some Vaseline or skin cream handy.
Your baby may be irritable and cranky, and may not want to eat because of sore gums. You might find your baby pulling his or her ears and rubbing his or her cheeks during the teething process. Because of the discomfort of teething, your baby's sleep pattern may be disrupted as well.
Swollen gums during teething may cause a low-grade fever. However, if a high fever or diarrhea does occur, contact your child’s physician for an appointment because these symptoms are probably caused by something else.
3. Teething Pain Relief
If your baby is getting fussy because of teething, these remedies might help:
- Teething ring. This is a baby product used to soothe the gums, something a baby can gnaw and rub against the gums. Shop carefully for a safe product.
- Cold, wet wash cloth. Parents can cover their finger with the wash cloth and apply soft pressure to the baby's gums.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers. Ask your dentist for a recommendation.
4. Caring for New Teeth
Once those teeth start coming in, it's time to buy your baby's first toothbrush. Take time to clean the teeth after each feeding. This is the first step in establishing lifelong good dental habits for your child. This is also the time for your baby's first trip to the dentist to get recommendations for proper care.
Now that spring has rolled around, it is time to turn our attention to outdoor activities. The warm April weather means our little ones will head outside with their bikes and engage in all sorts of activities with their friends.
April also represents National Facial Protection Month. Too many people think that facial injuries predominantly occur when engaging in contact sports. The truth is that your children are quite vulnerable on their bicycles as well.
The Importance of a Helmet
Bike helmets have become so important that the federal government has instituted safety standards for their design and function. Do not let your child use a bike helmet that does not have a sticker stating it complies with the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Demand that your kids wear their helmets at all times when riding their bikes. Do not let them get away with a helmet-less ride even if it is just down the street to their friend's place.
Furthermore, inspect the helmet as it rests on your child's head to ensure that it fits properly. If you and your child are not sure if it fits right, do not hesitate to consult with an expert at a bike store.
Choose the Right Size Bike
Too many parents think that a hand-me-down bike will suffice for their young one. Don't try to cut corners by forcing your child to ride a bike that is not the ideal size. A properly sized bike will help keep your child safe and sound.
Have your child stand so that he or she straddles the top bar of the bike with both feet flat on the ground. If there is not an inch to three inches of space between the top bar and your child, the bike is the wrong size. Also, check to make sure that the seat, wheels and handlebars all fit nice and snug.
Perform Regular Bike Maintenance
Bikes require maintenance just like automobiles. Check your child's bike chain on a regular basis to determine if it requires additional oil. Verify that the bike's brakes are functioning as designed. Sticking brakes can lead to a nasty accident that leaves your child bruised, bloodied or worse.
Also, be sure to inspect the tires on your child's bike on a regular basis. The tires should have ample air along with the proper tire pressure.
Playtime Dental is Here for Your Kids
The dental experts here at Playtime Dental are just as concerned about your child's teeth as you are. If Playtime Dental does not care for your little one’s dental needs and you have any interest in a new dentist, look no further. We provide a child-friendly dental environment that your little one will like. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment by dialing 419-774-PLAY.
