September marks the beginning of the school year, and with that often comes a change in schedules. Gone are the lazy days of summer and in their place, there are after-school activities, parent-teacher conferences, homework and other commitments. For parents, that may add stress to an already busy work schedule and family commitments.
Dental Hygiene For Kids
While it’s understandable that things may start to slide when your plate is filled to the brim, one thing that should not take a back seat to the hectic schedules you have to contend with each day is your family’s dental hygiene. Taking just a few minutes a day to make sure teeth and gums are as healthy as possible can save you from having dental issues down the road.
So, even though everyone may be racing against the clock in the morning to catch a bus or get to work on time, morning brushing of teeth shouldn’t be neglected. Ideally, you should brush your teeth for two minutes, or about the time it takes to sing happy birthday. While it may seem like you don’t have two minutes to spare in the morning, its important enough that you find the time to do it. Not only will your teeth and gums thank you but your breath will smell fresher and you’ll be better prepared to start your day.
As the day unwinds, you should take another two minutes to brush your teeth before bed. You should also take some time to floss teeth daily. This is easy to neglect when you’re tired or feel strapped for time, but flossing is as important as brushing and should be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
In addition to the obvious tasks of brushing and flossing, you can also help to keep teeth and gums healthy by making good food choices. Avoid excess sugar and sticky treats. Also avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, or non-food items such as pens or pencils.
Another important aspect of maintaining dental health is to visit your dentist twice a year. During these visits, your dentist or a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and will check for any signs of tooth decay or other dental issues. X-rays may be taken and an oral cancer screening may be completed. This is the time to discuss any concerns with your dentist or to find out if there are steps you can take to help ensure that your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible.
For more information about proper dental hygiene for kids, contact Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
