Healthy Oral-Care Habits for Kids

Studies show 45% of children in the US aged 6-11 are affected by tooth decay

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

April 22, 2019

From poor eating habits and brushing skills, to limited oral care knowledge, parents and caregivers may not understand just how important it is to cultivate healthy oral-care habits in children from the time their first tooth appears. Never underestimate the importance of good brushing skills. Studies show that 45% of children in the US age 6-11 are affected by tooth decay. Hygienist Rafael Rondon, gave us some tips to instill good habits early on.

“It’s so important to practice good oral hygiene early on in kids because tooth decay not only impacts children now but in the future as well. In fact children who form cavities in their baby teeth are four times more likely to develop cavities as adults,” he shares, “More than 34 million school hours are lost each year in the U.S. due to dental problems as such it really is an epidemic.”

While the struggle to get children to brush is normal the right tools and resources can help. In partnership with dental offices in Phoenix and Milwaukee, Crest + Oral-B and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have launched the Strong Teeth Make Strong Kids program to teach parents the basics of good oral health for their children.

“For starters, make brushing a daily routine, morning and night. This can be linked to something you do every day such as reading a book at bedtime or after your child gets dressed for school in the morning,” says Rondon, “If you’re struggling getting it done try to make it fun such as a toothbrush with a character that your child loves. Oral-B has a great selection to choose from. I recommend electric rechargeable toothbrushes because they are the most effective option, and safe for children 3 and up if they’re use correctly.”

What else? Start regular dental check-ups by age one and build a good relationship with your dentist and hygienist. Rondon says there is even a free Disney Magic Timer app by Oral-B that can help 98% of children brush longer. Following these actions he says can help slow the epidemic of early childhood cavities.

To learn more about the Strong Teeth Make Strong Kids program visit dentalcare.com.

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