While most people have been encouraged to brush and floss their teeth regularly, it’s a tough habit to establish, especially later in life. That’s why dentists are so keen on helping children start healthy habits early on, so they’re less likely to deal with serious dental problems years down the line because of poor oral health habits. If you’re a parent of a young child, how can you help establish a friendship between kids and their oral health
Start Early
The first key is starting the habit as early as possible, even before they have teeth.
By wiping their gums with a clean, soft cloth or very soft toothbrush, you can help your infant get used to the idea and sensation of oral cleanliness being a regular part of their day. As they get a little older and begin teething, this ritual can be soothing and enjoyable too.
Don’t Assume They’re Doing It Right
While a child of 3 or 4 may be able to move a toothbrush around their mouth and work up a lather, they probably still need some help adequately brushing every tooth.
This isn’t just a matter of being easily distracted or not fully appreciating the importance of doing a thorough job. Instead, they likely don’t yet have the motor skills and coordination necessary to do a really good job brushing everywhere. In this case, assisting children until they’re more in control goes a long way.
Set Goals
Since you want brushing and flossing to be a lifelong habit for your children, it’s important to give them a reason to care about it before they’re old enough to truly appreciate oral health.
Many parents have found that sticker charts work especially well:
Create a simple grid that covers a week and tape it to the bathroom mirror. (There are plenty of free printable charts available online, or you can draw your own.)
Let your child pick out stickers they like and hang them up next to the chart.
Decide on a simple, (non-sugary) privilege or treat your child will earn if they do a good job filling in the sticker chart each time they brush and floss properly.
Be sure to check with your child’s dentist, as they may have similar ideas and materials right there in their office to share with you.
Make it Fun
Along the same lines as the sticker chart suggested above, anything you can do to make maintaining good oral health less tedious and more fun, the better the chance you’re going to teach your kids to love brushing and flossing in the long run.
There are plenty of novelty toothbrushes, floss holders, flavored toothpastes, and other accessory options you can experiment with to make the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable. Sometimes, all it takes to get a young child interested in brushing and flossing regularly is for them to see you doing it and enjoying it. In fact, if you make a habit of participating with them every day, they might look forward to this special time you have together.
It’s Never Too Late
Although it’s certainly preferable for excellent oral health habits to start when a child is young, it’s never too late to establish good patterns.
If your child is already in school and still doesn’t like to brush and floss, there’s not a moment to lose. You may need to be especially creative to find ways to incentivize their participation, but it can be done.
For advice on your kids and their oral health, ask your local Tooth Corner or check back later, we might have another blog in store for you!
Do you ever cringe when you watch someone bite into ice cream? Are you sometimes fearful of that first sip of hot soup or drink of tea? You’re not alone. Sensitive teeth are one of the most common complaints we hear about!
Teeth Become Sensitive When Nerves Are Exposed
On the outside of each tooth is a protective layer of enamel. Over time, the enamel can wear away, leaving an inner layer called the dentin, exposed. This occurs due to normal wear and tear, poor dental hygiene and/or certain lifestyle choices. Dentin contains fluid-filled tubules that reach into the innermost part of the tooth where all the nerves reside. Because the nerves inside the tooth are exposed when the enamel is eroded away, sensitivity is the result. Another form of tooth sensitivity develops when gum recession leaves the root of the tooth exposed to food, drink and air.
Desensitising Toothpaste Can Help
Desensitising toothpastes are a great way to ease tooth sensitivity. Many of our patients ask us how these toothpastes actually work! It’s simple: they are specially formulated to either block the tubules in the dentin, protecting the nerves in the tooth from exposure, or numb your teeth, in a manner of speaking, so you don’t register the pain of sensitivity.
It’s important to remember, however, that if your teeth are at all sensitive, your first stop should be your dentist’s office. Some problems that cause teeth to be sensitive can be quite serious and may require more extensive treatment than desensitising toothpaste can provide.
Follow These Helpful Tips To Avoid Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can range from mildly annoying to severely painful. To prevent further damage to your teeth, or any sensitivity in the first place, follow the suggestions below:
Practice proper oral hygiene: Gum disease and tooth decay are frequently the cause of tooth sensitivity. Avoid smoking or any form of tobacco use.
Don’t brush so hard: Aggressive brushing or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and enamel erosion. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t apply too much force. Plaque comes off easier than you think!
Protect your teeth: If you clench your teeth frequently or have been diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding), make sure you protect your teeth with a night-guard provided to you by your dentist and try to be conscious of your clenching habits during the day.
Make sure your diet is healthy: Eat sugar and carbohydrates in moderation. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that are good for your teeth such as dairy products and vegetables.
Take Our Advice! Don’t Live With Pain!
No matter what your level of discomfort, the tooth corner believe that nobody should have to live with tooth pain. If you experience any kind of sensitivity in your teeth, come in and see us! We can diagnose the root cause of your sensitivity and work out the best way to treat it.
One of the several conditions that affect the gum; surrounding & holding the teeth in the mouth, is receding gums. This occurs, simply by not taking care of your oral health. This can result in the tissue around the teeth to disappear gradually or even recede over time. Many people who are affected by a receding gum often wonder whether it is possible to have it grow back.
Signs of a receding gum
It is important to note that the gum is responsible for protecting the teeth. The gum is made of a soft tissue that is responsible for holding the teeth in place in the jaw region. When there is receding of the gum, it appears as if it is transparent and the teeth will appear in a more prominent way and even become loose.
Causes of a receding gum
One of the major causes of a receding gum is gum disease. Gum disease can be worsened by various conditions such as plaque and tartar build up, tooth decay, dental and poor oral hygiene. This is on top of alcohol use, poor diet, teeth grinding and substance abuse. These can have a large impact on the health of your gums.
Natural treatment for receding gums
There are certain measures that can prevent the problem from becoming more severe. These include:
One of the best way of preventing a receding gum is by establishing a good oral care habit. Avoid pressing hard on the gum as this will only serve to make it recede more. This can also help to get rid of excess bacteria that get trapped in your teeth’s crevices.
Eat healthy foods. The diet may not be a major cause of receding gum. However, it may end up hurting the overall health of your gum. Avoid eating sugary substance that have corn fructose.
Limit your drinking of alcohol and avoid smoking.
Minimize your intake of carbonated soda.
With these measures, it is possible to prevent a receding gum. However, you should still pay a visit to your local Tooth Corner to ensure your oral health is in great condition
