Is your child brushing their teeth when you’re not looking?
If they aren’t brushing, do you know what signs to look for?
Dental health is important at every age. When children learn proper tooth brushing techniques at an early age, they are less likely to experience serious tooth-related problems in the future.
Plus, they will develop healthy dental habits to use throughout their entire life. Before long, their tooth brushing routine will come as naturally as riding a bike.
When your child brushes the right way, they will,
- Maintain fresh breath.
- Remove plaque and tartar.
- Protect their teeth from tooth decay.
- Reduce their chance of getting cavities.
- Keep teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
And more.
Are you ready to find out if your child is brushing the right way?
In this article, you will find out six warning signs that your child is not following an effective dental health care routine.
Find out whether your kid is brushing their teeth right now…
6 Warning Signs That Your Child Isn’t Brushing Their Teeth
And What You Can Do To Get Them To Start Brushing Now
Cavities are a common problem
Is your family dentist always finding new cavities in your child’s mouth?
Cavities are the most common form of tooth decay, and tooth decay is a direct result of bad brushing habits.
If your child frequently gets new cavities or experiences pain in their mouth, this is a warning sign that they aren’t brushing properly or that they aren’t brushing at all.
While cavities are one of the less severe versions of tooth decay, they can quickly progress to more significant issues if left unaddressed. Don’t let your child’s bad brushing habits turn into a lifetime of dental problems.
The child-sized toothbrush is always dry
Do you know how long it takes for a toothbrush to thoroughly dry? Days.
If you’re finding that your child’s toothbrush is always dry, they probably aren’t brushing often enough.
A dry toothbrush translates into a less healthy mouth.
If your child is following a standard brushing procedure, you shouldn’t be finding a dry toothbrush in the bathroom. Check his or her toothbrush before bed and make sure it’s wet. This a clear indication that it was recently used.
You find food stuck in between your child’s teeth
When your child fails to brush and floss regularly, he or she creates visible buildup in the mouth. If you find food wedged in between their teeth, they probably aren’t brushing thoroughly if at all.
If this continues, stubborn food particles will transform into plaque and tartar, both of which can cause tooth decay and oral diseases.
Don’t let it come to that.
Sit down with your child and explain the importance of a healthy mouth and how to brush appropriately.
Your child’s tongue is always white
If you find that your child’s tongue is always white, they probably aren’t brushing correctly. Tongues turn white when bacteria and debris build on the surface.
As a rule of thumb, a clean tongue is a pink tongue.
Did you teach your child to brush their tongue as well as their teeth?
Brushing your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth. It will help keep bad breath at bay. Plus, it minimizes your chances of tooth decay.
Your kid has bad breath
Do you ever notice a foul odor emanating from your child’s mouth?
If your kid has bad breath on a regular basis, they might not be brushing. Bad breath builds when oral health is left unattended. Often, it can become a sign of a much larger problem like tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Help your child achieve optimal oral health by keeping them on a regular teeth brushing schedule.
Are your child’s teeth squeaky clean?
The “squeak test” is real, and it works.
If your child brushes their teeth the right way, their teeth should be squeaky clean. Ask them to rub their finger across the tops of their teeth and listen for the squeak.
This could be a fun way for you to show your child what a clean mouth looks, feels and sounds like.
Teach Your Child How to Brush Their Teeth Properly
Maybe They’re Just Not Brushing Right
Did you teach your child how to brush their teeth properly?
As a reminder, you should brush your teeth 2-3 times per day. On top of that, you should floss daily. The same dental health rules apply to your child.
Even if your kid is brushing, maybe they’re not doing it right.
Every mouth deserves a full two minutes of teeth brushing. Make sure to emphasize the importance of brushing all areas of the mouth, including the tongue. Don’t let your child zip through this process.
You can even turn tooth brushing time into an interactive activity where you play music or provide a small reward for clean, glossy teeth.
Now that you know how to tell whether your child is brushing their teeth, isn’t it time to bring them in for a checkup with your family dentist?
Get the help of a dental professional now.
Bring Your Child To Your Corpus Christi Family Dentist Now
Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry Can Help You And Your Family!
Is your child due for professional teeth cleaning, or are they complaining of pain or discomfort in their mouth?
Don’t wait to address the problem. Bring your child to your trusted family dentist now.
Do you live in Corpus Christi? Are you looking for a family dentist?
Dr. Derek J Chang, DDS is the best Corpus Christi dentist in the area.
Corpus Christi Dr. Derek J Chang, DDS is accepting new patients like you
At this Corpus Christi dental office, we offer pediatric dental services as well as dental services for adults, seniors and your whole family.
Reach out to Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry to help you
- Keep your child’s teeth in good health
- Get teeth professionally examined and cleaned
- Find new ways to make tooth brushing fun for your child
And so much more
Click here or call 361-992-7631 to schedule your next dental appointment right now.
Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry is located at the major intersection of Everhart Road and Staples Street in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Are you looking for more than a cleaning?
Check out what Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry can do for you and your family.
Advanced Dental Services Your Dental Health
- Pediatric dentistry
- Routine teeth cleanings
- Cosmetic dentistry procedures
- Sleep apnea and TMJ solutions
- Caps, crowns, veneers and more
- Professional teeth whitening
- Oral cancer screenings
- Emergency dentistry
- Tooth restoration
And much, much more!