Knowing The Basics for Good Oral Hygiene

     Ever heard the old adage, 'Looks can be deceiving?' I often am told by others what a pretty, white smile I have. People ask if I use whiteners (which I never have) and comment on how straight my smile is (thanks to those years in braces). While my smile looks nice, my teeth actually have very soft, weak enamel, and aside from having too many cavities to remember, I've also had to have root canals and crowns...at my ripe age of only 28!

     Much of this could have been avoided had I practiced good oral hygiene. I'm not talking about simply brushing your teeth. For years I operated under this principle that brushing is all my teeth needed. Clearly I was wrong, and my teeth have paid for it. Now that we are on the highest dental plan possible through our insurance, taking care of my teeth has become much higher on my priority list. 

     Teaching the importance of oral hygiene to children early on and putting these extra steps into practice will give your child (and your wallet) something to smile about. So what are some of the "basics" to keep in mind when teaching your child about oral hygiene? First, brush your teeth two times a day, and preferably after meals. Know when to replace a toothbrush (usually 3-4 months or as needed) so that the bristles are most effective when brushing. Consider a mouth wash. Most mouth washes kill bacterial plaque that cause tooth decay, and some will help strengthen your enamel to prevent cavities.

     Another extremely important aspect of good oral hygiene is flossing your teeth! This cannot be underscored enough to young children, and getting them in the habit of incorporating this in their nightly "brushing" routine will help aid in cavity prevention. Most of my cavities have been between my teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to get to. Teaching children to floss under the gum line and between their teeth is paramount in cavity protection.

     Finally, another part of oral hygiene not to be overlooked is the food we eat. Sodas and energy drinks are loaded with phosphoric and citric acid that damages our teeth and softens our enamel. Maintain a balanced diet but reduce the consumption of sugary and starchy foods, which play an important role in tooth decay. And finally, avoid snacking in between meals, which also makes teeth prone to tooth decay.

     Teaching children about good oral hygiene and implementing techniques such as flossing, brushing and rinsing should give everyone something to smile about at the end of the day.