Preventing Gum Disease in Children

The largest threat to your child's gum tissue is poor at-home dental hygiene habits. Help your kids build a solid foundation for good dental hygiene and reinforce those habits by practicing them yourself to set a good example.

Improving Your Family's Dental Hygiene

• Brushing your teeth – You probably already know that your child should be brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. It's also important for kids to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your kids to angle the brush gently at a 45-degree angle. Remind your children to brush their gums, as this is a great way to remove plaque from the gumline. 
• Flossing – Flossing is the best defense against gum disease and should be done at least once per day. Show your child how to wrap the floss around the sides of each tooth in a C shape. Using flossers or interdental brushes can help kids; it's tough for tiny fingers to properly floss with traditional floss.
• Balanced diet and exercise - Strengthening your heart makes it easier to fight infection and disease. Make sure your kids are eating the right foods, drinking plenty of water, and staying active!
• Routine dental cleanings - Lastly, routine cleanings ensure that any plaque (calcified bacterial deposits) doesn't build up around the gum tissue, causing gum disease and gingivitis.

If your kids have a strong foundation for good at-home dental hygiene habits, their chances of developing gum disease decrease significantly. To make an appointment for your family to receive a dental cleaning and a checkup, please contact Meadows Family Dental here in Castle Rock, Colorado.