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Dental care for your little one not only prevents gum disease and tooth decay, but also establishes good habits early so your child can enjoy optimal oral health for life. That’s why you should check that they’re practicing proper techniques and covering all surfaces of the teeth. Make sure your child isn’t missing these easily overlooked areas.

Is Your Child Covering These 3 Areas When Brushing?

1. Back of the Teeth

It’s easy to miss the back of the teeth when brushing—many adults are guilty of this too. If your child is neglecting certain areas, demonstrate brushing your teeth to show them proper form. Brush the outer surfaces first, then move to the inner and chewing surfaces. Teeth should be brushed twice a day for at least two minutes per session.

2. Tongue

dental careA scraper will help your kid clean their tongue, on which bacteria and plaque can also accumulate. To prevent gagging, your child should start at the middle of the tongue and work down towards the tip until better form has been established. They can also use their toothbrush for the same effect.

3. Back of Molars

The back of the molars can be hard to reach with a toothbrush, which is why flossing must be an integral part of your child’s dental care routine. However, they need to know the right way to do it; the wrong technique can harm gums and leave bacteria behind. Floss should be held between the thumb and middle fingers and gently guided by the index fingers, making sure to curve around each tooth up to the gum line to clean out food debris and plaque.

 

The dentists at Pedodontic Associates are here to help instill good habits in your kids as early as possible. For more than two decades, these dental care professionals have helped infants, toddlers, and adolescents achieve optimum oral hygiene. They offer comprehensive exams, during which they’ll provide tips on at-home dental care. They also make their office as kid-friendly as possible, which makes visits easy even for kids with anxiety. Visit them online to prepare for your first visit. They offer three Hawaii locations for your convenience: call (808) 735-1733 to make an appointment in Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.

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