As 2013 comes to a close and we
start making our New Year’s resolutions for 2014, 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 overall health according to the US Surgeon General.
The New Year is the perfect time to start practicing good
oral habits that will last a lifetime: Brush 2 minutes, 2 times a day, every
day.
Prevention helps you maintain good oral health 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 floss too.
It’s equally as important to make sure this a daily routine
for your children as well.
Here are some brushing tips for all ages:
Babies 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; no toothpaste is necessary. Once teeth are cleaned at bedtime,
babies should drink only plain water (no juice, milk or soda).
Children, 2 years to 6 years: Help your children
brush their teeth. Hold the toothbrush with them and show them 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 Check out this
video to for more tips on teaching children how to brush their
teeth.
Children, 6 years to thirteen: Once children know
how to brush, let them do so on their own, but supervise to make sure all teeth
get cleaned. The goal is to spend 2 minutes to be sure they brush every tooth –
the front, back, chewing surfaces and sides. Teach your children how to floss
between teeth and make this part of their nighttime routine.
Teens and Adults: We are all busy with work, school,
sports, family – but that is no excuse for not brushing. Clean your teeth
gently but thoroughly for a full 2 minutes before you head off for the day
(work or school) and finish the day by brushing to remove leftover food in your
mouth and floss between your teeth. Your goal is to remove food that will
decay, creating acids that will attack the tooth’s enamel, and also to remove
plaque. Plaque is the sticky film of germs that forms on teeth and gums after
eating. If it’s not removed by brushing twice a day and flossing once a
day, plaque can lead to cavities.
And remember this: Simple, repetitive
tasks will become habit in just 21 days. Start on January 1 and make it your
goal to brush 2 minutes, twice a day, every day. 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. Dental disease (cavities and gum
disease) is preventable.
DentaQuest will be tweeting encouragement
and reminders all month long. Follow us at @dentaquest.