As 2014 comes to an end and we start making our New Year’s
resolutions, once again getting healthy seems to be at the top of everyone’s
list. But being healthy isn’t just about working out and eating a nutritious
diet; good oral health is imperative to one’s overall health.
The New Year is the perfect time to start practicing good oral habits
that will last a lifetime. Prevention helps you maintain a healthy mouth, and
the single most important thing that you can do to protect your teeth is to
brush for two minutes, twice a day, every day. And don’t forget to floss too. It’s
equally as important to add this to your child’s daily routine..
Here are some brushing tips for all ages:
Infants, 3 months to 1 year and children, 1 year to 2 years: Gently wipe the baby’s teeth with a clean
damp washcloth. For kids under age 2, use a soft toothbrush and a little water
with a very small dabble of fluoridated toothpaste. Once teeth are cleaned at
bedtime, they should drink only plain water.
Children, 2 years to 6 years: Help your children brush their teeth; hold the toothbrush with
them and guide them. Demonstrate how to clean every tooth surface and to gently
brush their tongue to remove germs and freshen breath. Use a pea-sized dab of
fluoride toothpaste and teach your child to spit out the toothpaste when
they’re done. Today there are numerous fun apps that you can download that will
make brushing their teeth fun! Check out this video to for more tips on teaching children
how to brush their teeth.
Tweens and pre-tweens, 6 years to thirteen: Once your child knows how to brush, let them
do so on their own with your supervision. The goal is to spend 2 minutes to ensure
they brush every tooth evenly– the front, back, top, and sides. Teach your
children how to floss between teeth and instill this as part of their morning
and nighttime routine.
Teens and Adults: We are all busy with work, school, sports, and family. However
research is showing that poor oral health can exacerbate chronic health
problems that people might have once thought were unrelated – such as diabetes
and heart disease. Maintaining good oral health can aid in the management of
these diseases. Teens and adults should clean they teeth gently but thoroughly
for a full 2 minutes before they head out for the day. Finish the day by
brushing to remove any leftover food in your mouth and floss between your
teeth.
And remember this: Simple, repetitive tasks will become habit in
just 21 days. Start on January 1 and make it your goal to brush your teeth for
2 minutes, twice a day, every day. You will have fulfilled one of your
resolutions before the second month of 2015! You can do this!
Finally, think about when you last saw an oral health
professional. If you haven’t done so in the last six to 12 months, now is a
good time to schedule your next visit!