It’s not a surprise that children don’t brush as effectively as adults do. Their coordination and fine motor skills lag behind their age. Children also lack the ability to concentrate for long periods, plus they’re impulsive and easily distracted. So, it is essential to take your child to a Memphis, TN dentist at least once in two months.
A dentist not only helps you with the treatment of existing dental conditions but also provides effective preventive care. They can help your child develop a good dental care regimen to tackle their problems. Your dentist also works on your child’s overall oral health and health conditions.
Let us now look into different kinds of brushing mistakes common among children.
- Rushing through brushing
Children tend to rush through brushing due to their lack of concentration. This is how they get into the habit of not brushing their mouth thoroughly. However, it is important that your child’s brush reaches every corner so as to remove all the debris from the harmful plaque and tartar.
- Using a hard-bristle brush
A hard-bristle brush is not ideal for brushing teeth, especially that of children. This is because a child’s mouth structure is still developing. That poses a risk of developing early gum recession due to the hard bristles. So, it would always be best to go for a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a hard-bristled brush. You can also ask your dentist about the kind of brush safe to use for your child.
- Brushing too aggressively
Children should know how to clean their teeth. They should know that teeth require brushing more gently and thoroughly. In fact, it’s not just the hard bristles that cause damage. Even aggressive or excessive brushing can also do damage to your teeth and gums.
- Neglecting tongue and gums
Your child should also know to take good care of their tongue and gums. They should know how to clean their tongue and gums effectively. This will help them to keep their oral cavity clean and healthy, free of plaque and bacteria. It also helps them reduce the risk of developing cavities, tartar, and bad breath.
- Not changing the toothbrush periodically
It is essential to change your child’s toothbrush periodically to maintain their oral health. You can seek the advice of a dentist for choosing the right toothbrush for your child. A dentist can consider the unique needs of your child and recommend a good toothbrush and even toothpaste if required.