Oral Care Tips During Treatment

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Encouraging children to look after their teeth can sometimes be an uphill battle. Here are some oral health tips that encourage better dental care in kids, especially if they are planning on starting orthodontic treatment in the near future!

BRUSHING

  • Use a pea sized amount of low fluoride toothpaste from 18 months to six years of age.
  • From six years of age, use a pea sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste (unless otherwise advised by an oral health professional).
  • Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste after brushing, but not rinse.
  • Always brush in a circular motion, cleaning a few teeth at a time.
  • Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.
  • Brush in small circles along the gum line.
  • Brush all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).
  • Brushing teeth removes plaque (the build-up on teeth) that causes tooth decay.

 

LIMIT SUGAR

  • Limit foods high in added sugars. Consuming foods and drinks with high levels of sugar causes tooth decay.
  • Try to avoid sugary foods and snacks in your child’s lunchbox.
  • Foods and drinks high in added sugars include candy, soda, fruit juice, sweet desserts, soft drinks, sports drinks, cookies, etc.

 

VISITING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

  • It is important that school children get to know their oral health professional (both dentist and orthodontist).
  • Your oral health professional will discuss your child’s needs and plan how often your child should have their teeth checked.
  • Your child might not always see a dentist – many other ‘oral health professionals’ such as orthodontists like Dr. Koch,  are fully qualified to work on your child’s teeth.

 

PROTECT YOUR SMILE

  • Custom fitted mouth guards provide the best protection.
  • Take the mouth guard to your orthodontic visits to check it still fits well, especially if you wear traditional braces!
  • A mouth guard may need to be replaced as changes occur in the mouth, such as when the permanent teeth come through, orthodontic treatment starts, etc.

FOR ANY OTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING ORAL HEALTH & ORTHODONTICS PLEASE CALL US AT 585-243-3174 OR EMAIL US AT koch@frontiernet.net