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There are many benefits to maintaining proper oral hygiene away from the dentist’s chair, including having a set of healthy teeth and gums, nice-smelling breath, and a pearly-white smile. According to the kids’ dentists at BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, it’s important for children to develop the following list of oral habits early on, as it will result in fewer dental issues as they get older.

5 Oral Hygiene Tips From Your Neighborhood Dentist

1. Brush Twice a Day

You should brush your teeth two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. To help you easily remember, try to do so when you get up in the morning and right before going to bed at night. Use short back and forth strokes while holding your brush at a 45-degree angle to thoroughly clean your teeth without being too aggressive.

2. Floss Every Day

Right now, you might not understand why your dentist so adamantly wants you to floss, but when you get older and the gums around your teeth start to recede, you’ll wish you had listened. Flossing is the most effective way to remove plaque in the tight spaces between your teeth, which is actually where tooth decay most commonly begins.

3. Use a Tongue Scraper

kids dentistMost of today’s toothbrushes come equipped with a tongue scraper on the reverse side. Since bacteria is known to linger on the tongue after brushing, be sure to brush your tongue in addition to your teeth. Plus, your breath will smell a whole lot fresher.

4. Swish Mouthwash

After brushing and flossing, remember to finish cleaning your mouth by swishing some mouthwash around. This will completely remove any remaining debris that could cause gum irritation and, later on, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

5. Limit Sugary & Starchy Foods

To keep plaque acids in your mouth to a minimum, try to limit the number of sugary and starchy snacks you eat in between meals each day. When you must eat them, try combining them with items that will help keep the saliva flowing in your mouth and rinse away as much harmful bacteria as possible.

For more oral hygiene tips your children can follow at home, contact the kids’ dentists at BridgeView Dental Group. You can schedule an appointment by calling their office at (907) 486-3257 or visit their website to learn more about their services, including removing wisdom teeth and treating periodontal disease. You can also connect with their team on Facebook.

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