Teaching kids to brush and floss correctly will help keep their teeth and gums healthy. While these habits are effective, they’re only part of the process—you also have to make sure your child avoids habits that can affect their oral health. Here’s what you need to know to help their next dental exam go smoothly.

How Kids May Accidentally Harm Their Teeth

1. Brushing Roughly

Brushing twice a day is important at every age, but many kids need practice and guidance to do it properly. Pressing too hard on the toothbrush bristles can abrade your child’s sensitive gums and tooth enamel and wear the brush out faster. Kids often need help—or at least supervision—brushing their teeth until they’re 7 or 8 years old, so use this opportunity to teach them how to clean each tooth gently. 

If you have a toddler, brush their teeth using a soft-bristled brush and a dab of fluoride toothpaste that is about the size of a grain of rice. You can provide a pea-sized amount for kids between the ages of 3 and 6. Depending on their motor skills, you may still have to help them brush during this age group. As they get older and can handle the task themselves, you should still check to make sure they’re brushing gently but thoroughly. If their gum tissue looks red and puffy or shows signs of bleeding, they are pressing too hard.

2. Eating Hard Candy

Both children and adults love candy, and it’s okay to eat it in small doses. However, anything that sits in their mouth for a long time, such as a lollipop, can damage their tooth enamel. Chewy candy doesn’t stay in the mouth as long, but it can be sticky and hard to remove from your child’s teeth. Chocolate is the easiest to clean from teeth, so your child can still enjoy sweet treats. No matter which candy you let your child have occasionally, make sure they rinse with water and brush their teeth shortly after they’re done.

3. Using Teeth as Tools

Children often mimic other adults as they learn to do tasks for themselves. If they see someone open a package with their teeth, they’ll try to do the same. Before your child’s next dental exam, explain that this habit can damage or chip their teeth and that there are easier ways to open a package. If they’re too young to use scissors, tell them to ask an adult for help. 

If your child is due for a dental exam, contact Discovery Dental in Eagle River, AK. They provide a variety of services to help kids develop healthy habits. In addition to routine exams and cleanings, they provide sealants, fluoride treatments, and cavity care to protect children’s smiles. Call (907) 622-5437 to schedule an appointment and visit their website for new patient forms.