It’s important to establish strong dental care habits early. Did you know, though, that some common dental routines could actually prove dangerous? The best pediatric dentists on Oahu and Maui, Pedodontic Associates, are committed to providing outstanding oral care services to children. They recognize how crucial it is to differentiate between good and bad habits—and adjust accordingly.

You’d be surprised at how frequently families make these common dental care mistakes. By steering clear of these habits, you’ll set your child up for a lifetime of proper dental care.

3 Dental Care Mistakes To Avoid

• Not Brushing & Flossing: Most people are guilty of skipping that nighttime brushing or flossing routine once or twice. When this becomes a habit, the problem exacerbates. The only way to keep teeth and gums clean is to brush them at least twice a day and floss daily. Even extra-thorough brushing isn’t enough to prevent periodontal disease if it’s performed alone—flossing is essential to your gum health.
• Swallowing Toothpaste: Swallowing an insignificant amount of toothpaste is not unusual and is generally not harmful. However, if a child accidentally ingests a large quantity of toothpaste, it could cause severe stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. This is because fluoride in toothpaste can be quite irritating, although it would take an extremely large dose to cause a serious problem. If your child swallows some toothpaste, feed them something with calcium, like milk, cheese, or yogurt. The calcium binds with the fluoride and makes it easier to digest.
• Ingesting Mouthwash: Similar to swallowing toothpaste, ingesting a very small amount of mouthwash is usually safe. However, the potent ingredients in mouthwash can cause stomach distress, nausea, or diarrhea if swallowed in significant quantities. Monitor children’s use of mouthwash closely, and don’t give mouthwash to children under the age of six. Consider having your kids practice rinsing and spitting water before graduating to mouthwash.

At Pedodontic Associates, your kids’ dental care routine is a top priority. These experienced pediatric dentists perform everything from routine checkups and cleaning to emergency care. For more information or to schedule an appointment with the area’s best pediatric dentists, call the Honolulu office at (808) 735-1733; Kahului at (808) 877-0066; or Aiea at (808) 487-7933. You can also visit Pedodontic Associates online to learn more about kids’ dental care.