How To Improve Your Child's Gum Health Without Flossing
Keeping your child's gums healthy is a necessity, but it's often a difficult task for parents to handle. The average child typically lacks the coordination and focus necessary to floss effectively, so one of the best methods for keeping gums healthy and safe is often not an option for little ones. Here are three other ways that you can improve the health of your child's gums or protect them from harm.
Brushing Technique
How your child brushes their teeth is just as important as them brushing at all. You've probably heard before that, ideally, you should brush your teeth in small circles, rather than up and down or side to side. Instilling these habits in your child now will help to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy for years to come.
Brushing in small circles allows you to not only get more coverage while brushing but ensures that the brush moves up and down through the space between the teeth and along the edge of the gums. This will clear away as much bacteria and plaque as possible, allowing your child's gums to stay healthier.
Water Flossing
While traditional flossing is often too difficult for children, water flossing might not be. Many water flossing companies now sell water flossers specifically intended for children, with an adjusted pressure level and charming designs to keep your child interested in using it.
Water flossers blast away plaque and bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease. They're painless and easy to use, so it's a good idea to try introducing one to your child. The water flosser will clear away plaque and bacteria that a toothbrush can't get to, including between the teeth and under the gum line.
Fluoride Treatments
Lastly, your child should be seeing a children's dentist on a regular basis, especially for fluoride treatments. These treatments are typically given to younger folks to help boost the strength of their teeth and to ensure that they don't get cavities. However, there are benefits for the gums, too.
While fluoride doesn't do anything directly to the gums, by treating the teeth, you may help to protect them. If bacteria can't begin to grow as effectively between your child's teeth, then it is less likely that bacterial overgrowth will irritate your child's gums and potentially trigger a problem like gingivitis. Since fluoride treatments are generally affordable, quick, and safe for children, it's something you should bring up with your dentist to ensure that your child is getting the best there is to offer.
Maintaining gum health is important at every age. Try using these tips to ensure that your child grows up with the right oral hygiene habits and good gum health.
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