Children's Dental Articles

As April is Oral Health Month, it is a great time to ensure that your children are having their regular six month check-ups with their Pediatric Dentist and brushing and flossing their teeth every day. However, if you've been a little forgetful, Oral Health Month is a good time to get back on track to a happy, healthy smile.

"It's all about establishing good, healthy habits early," says Dr. Meier, a board certified Pediatric Dentist and instructor at the University of Manitoba Dental School. "Proper oral hygiene routines should be introduced as early as infancy and continued throughout life."

Dr. Meier suggests that once your child's teeth begin erupting, you should begin cleaning them. "Start by using a small, soft toothbrush or cloth, and simply run it around the teeth, using a gentle circular motion." "Make sure to reach all the surfaces especially along the gum line."

Children's teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, after breakfast and then before bedtime along with flossing. "The pre-bedtime tooth-brushing session is the most important." "While we are asleep, the mouth produces less saliva, which helps keep our teeth clean," says Dr. Meier. "Once your child can brush and floss their teeth on their own," he adds, "you should still supervise them to be sure they get all the parts of their teeth and gums." "My rule of thumb is, if a child can handwrite their name, they have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively on their own."

Published in Winnipeg Parent Magazine