For National Dentist Day Learn About Pediatric Dentistry

For National Dentist Day Learn About Pediatric Dentistry

Come in and celebrate National Dentist’s Day with us by showing your pediatric dentists how you prioritize your children’s oral health. Dentist’s Day falls on March 6th every year and while this time last year we were closed due to pandemic restrictions, we’re happy to be able to look back on a year full of trials, changes, and joys while being grateful this year is already better than the last!

A Little History About Pediatric Dentistry

The profession of dentistry can be dated all the way back to the year 7000 B.C. Despite its ancient origins, it wasn’t until the 1700s that it gained significant formal attention and developed into a more specific profession.

In the early 1700s a book was published outlining a specific and thorough routine for dental hygiene titled “The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teeth”. The book’s author Pierre, Fauchard furthermore discovered the link between sugar and tooth decay.

1840 was the year of the first dental college, and in 1859 the American Dental Association was founded. It is only decades later that the profession of dentistry begins to take an active interest in pediatric dentistry. In 1913-1914 the Fones Clinic for Dental Hygienists in Connecticut began a program of sending its female students into public schools to clean children’s teeth. In Los Angeles, California around that same time, the first dental clinic for kids was opened by dental hygienist Minnie Evangeline Jordan. She went on to publish the first English book on pediatric dentistry in 1924.

In 1940, pediatric dentistry was finally recognized as its own specialty of dentistry. Less than a decade later, in 1947, the American Academy of Pedodontics was founded. The American Academy of Pedodontics would later become replaced by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This decade also saw the first city to add fluoride to the water supply, Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945.

In the 1950s more children began to visit the dentist annually, and in the 60s the federal government creates the Pediatric Dentistry Training Program due to the rise in need of specially trained dentists. Moreover, in the 60s dental sealants are developed to help reduce cavities in children.

In the 1980s a children’s book is published teaching children about the dentist, your kids might be familiar even today with the characters of the book. “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” showed children what to expect when visiting the dentist and taught them about having their teeth cleaned and checked for cavities and even the tools a dentist uses.

In 2000, the Surgeon General released the first-ever Oral Health in America Report, and the American Dental Association endorsed the comprehensive oral healthcare plan for children starting before the age of one year old.

Celebrate Dentist’s Day with Us

As you can see, pediatric dentistry has come a long way and in not so very much time! Our specialty profession is only around a century old, and yet we know so much now about how to take care of children’s dental health and work to see more happy and healthy smiles in our communities.

For Dentist’s Day, what our pediatric dentists really want is to see happy healthy smiles. Tag our Instagram accounts with your kids’ healthy smiles #NationalDentistsDay. Other ways you can celebrate with us include:

  • Commit to prioritizing your children’s dental hygiene by establishing morning and nighttime brushing routines.
  • Set an example to your kids of good dental habits by taking care of your own dental health.
  • Encourage family members and friends to place importance on their children’s oral health, and spread the word of your favorite pediatric dentist.
  • Make dentist appointments for each of your kids in one of our four convenient locations; professional cleanings and checkups are an integral part of preventive care, don’t wait for complaints of pain!
  • Give us a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.

Dental Facts: Did You Know?

  1. U.S. News & World Report releases an annual ranking of the 100 Best Jobs, and dentist consistently ranks very highly. For this year, Dentist ranked ninth place, for 2020 Dentist ranked second place, 2019 fourth, and in 2017 first. (We are not surprised by this, we love being pediatric dentists!)
  2. You should replace toothbrushes every three to four months.
  3. On average, Americans spend 38.5 days of their lifetimes brushing their teeth.
  4. In the year 1950, the average amount left under pillows from the Tooth Fairy was 25 cents. (How much are you leaving under pillows?)
  5. Your bite is super strong, on average a person can bite down with 200 pounds of pressure!
  6. The majority of Americans drink at least one sugary drink daily and adolescents and young adults are the heaviest consumers.
  7. A 20 ounce Coca-Cola has upwards of 16 teaspoons of sugar in it.
  8. Most dental insurance plans will cover two standard cleanings per year. If you aren’t sure about your plan, let us know.
  9. Giraffes only have teeth on their lower jaw.
  10. If chewing gum gets stuck in your hair, you might not have to cut it out. Instead of reaching for the scissors, grab the peanut butter. The peanut butter will help lift the gum from the hairs.

Come in For a Cleaning and Walk Out with a Gift Card

That’s right, we’re offering all our patients who book a dental cleaning a 25$ gift card. This offer is valid through April, but don’t wait to get your appointment booked. Give us a call and schedule your kids at one of our four locations, we want to see you!

Tooth Decay in Children: Sealants, Prevention, & Treatment

Tooth Decay in Children: Sealants, Prevention, & Treatment

Spring is almost here, and with it often comes later bedtimes, busier days and fuller weekends. It’s easy to get caught up in it all and let some other things start to slide. However, one relatively small part of your morning and evening routines needs to remain firmly entrenched: brushing teeth. 

Tooth decay, early cavities, and bad breath are all products of poor oral hygiene that we’ve seen in kids. It’s not because parents don’t care about their children’s teeth. To the contrary, our experience has shown us that parents care, very much. The issue is usually education. Parent’s need more guidance in how to care for their children’s teeth and how to teach and instill good dental hygiene habits.  

Here we’ve put together a healthy teeth guide for kids (and parents) to help you right here in your own home. 

Healthy Guide to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children 

When Should We Start Brushing Teeth? 

The answer to this one is simple. Start earlier than you may think, before the first tooth has even erupted. Yes, you might not see a tooth in your sweet baby’s gummy smile, but they are there. The primary teeth begin to form, usually, during the second trimester of the pregnancy.  

Before any teeth have come through, you’ll want to take a clean, wet washcloth and gently rub it over your baby’s gums. This will wipe away bacteria, and begin to familiarize your baby with the idea of something being put in their mouth that does not have a drinking, eating, or chewing purpose. 

Once a tooth has erupted, you’ll switch to an infant toothbrush and use a dab of fluoride toothpaste no larger than the size of a single grain of rice. Start flossing when your baby has two teeth side by side. 

At three years of age, you can graduate from grain of rice size to pea sized dab of toothpaste. Around two years old, work with your child to practice spitting out the toothpaste instead of merely swallowing it. 

When Should the First Dentist Visit Take Place? 

We recommend that kids have their first dentist office visit by the age of one year. We’ll take the time to explain brushing and flossing to your toddler, and even do a quick dental exam. It’s important for your kids to become familiarized with the dentist office early on to both normalize it, and minimize the potential for anxieties and fears to develop and become associated with a trip to the dentist.  

Moreover, by the age of one, your little one is likely drinking more than just milk or water, and has definitely graduated to foods. We can identify potential problems early on and help your little one get on track to having a healthy and happy smile. 

Why Should You Take Your Kids to a Pediatric Dentist? 

Please consider taking your children to a pediatric dentist. The importance of establishing healthy oral hygiene early on in life, makes a huge difference when your kids are older and more independent. A pediatric dentist is specially trained to work with children. In fact, pediatric dentists do an extra two years of dentistry school. We are trained to handle the communication and development limitations that young children have, and our offices are designed to be appealing and comforting to children. 

Can You Prevent Cavities? 

Yes! Cavities occur when food is left on, in between, or around the teeth instead of being brushed away. Bacteria forms, acid can collect and from there a cavity can form. 

There are several things as a parent that you can do to help prevent cavities. As you might have guessed, routine brushing and flossing make the top of that list. Make it part of their morning and nighttime routines if it’s not already. Nevertheless, there are other things we can add to this list. 

Fluoride toothpaste is important because fluoride introduced at regular intervals will strengthen your child’s teeth. If your town or city water supply doesn’t have fluoride added, you talk to your pediatric dentist about what you can do to make sure your child’s getting enough fluoride.  

Limit their sweets, sodas, and even juices. All those sugars can cause enamel erosion and damage to their teeth. Substitute for water when you can, or try watering down the juice. We recommend you don’t provide soda at all, and if or when you do place limits on how much, and encourage them to rinse their mouths out with water. 

Can You Get Rid of Cavities? 

Yes, if we determine that your kid does have a cavity, whether it be a cavity on a front tooth, or one more hidden in the back, we can treat cavities. This is typically done by doing a filling, where we literally fill the cavity. For front teeth, we may recommend a composite resin filling that will match the color of the tooth. 

Pediatric Dental Treatment Options for Cavities 

In spite of all prevention and routine brushing, it’s not uncommon for us to find cavities in the kids we see. Sometimes we may recommend fluoride treatments. Sometimes we may recommend sealants, which is a seal that covers the tooth to protect the enamel all while maintaining the appearance of the tooth.  

So, there you have it. A quick guide to healthy teeth for kids. When was the last time your kids were in to see us? We are currently offering $25 gift cards for kids who come in to sit in the big chair and have their teeth cleaned and checked from now through to April 15. That should give you time to fit it into your busy schedules.  

We have offices in four convenient locations in the Salt Lake City area, thereby making it easier for you to get your kids in to see us. For more information about those gift cards, go here. We hope to see you soon! 

Make Valentine’s Day Sweet for Kids’ Teeth (In a Good Way)

Make Valentine’s Day Sweet for Kids’ Teeth (In a Good Way)

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that comes every February 14th and it’s traditionally all about love. For kids, this love is usually expressed in the form of treats. Most kids exchange Valentine’s Day candy or sweets in a social setting around this time of year – such as at school, church, or even at home. 

Why not change the narrative on Valentine’s Day for your kids? With this holiday just around the corner, use these kids’ dental tips to teach your children more about their food choices and how those can affect their teeth. Finally, we will also give you some Valentine’s Day treat ideas on what to avoid and what to choose instead. 

Explain Cavities to Kids this Valentine’s Day

If your child is looking forward to receiving the candy on Valentine’s Day, be sure they understand the importance of brushing the morning and evening of that day to keep their teeth strong and healthy.

Kids can develop healthy oral hygiene habits most effectively when they understand the importance of the proactive decision to take care of their teeth. In order for children to care about proper brushing and flossing, they need to first understand what a cavity is and how one develops. Dr. Adam Silevitch, DMD, who is an attending pediatric dentist at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia, explains in an article how he teaches kids about cavities using the analogy of a white apple:

“When we ‘do a filling,’ or ‘fix a tooth,’ we are removing the rotten part of the tooth of a bruised apple.  A cavity is like the brown part of an apple, and underneath the brown apple area is healthy until we see a healthy tooth. We then put a hard material in to make that tooth strong again.”

Set a Good Example for Your Kids to Follow

Adults are equally guilty of getting excited and ripping into the Valentine’s Day candy, too. Remember, your kids are watching you. Always. As such, it’s important to set a good example so that your children will mimic your attitude and behaviors around candy and basic dental hygiene practices. When you brush your teeth of the morning you expect your child to have some extra candy, explain to them the importance of brushing each day. Also, emphasize that since you know your teeth may have some additional exposure to sugars and candies on that day, that you are making sure they are healthy and ready. 

Brushing Teeth Post-Valentine’s Day Tips

No matter what treats (if any) your child consumed on this holiday, make the tooth brushing event a family affair on this day. Explain to your children that you’re taking extra care to brush thoroughly because of the candy or treats from that day. Be sure to provide your child with positive reinforcement and extra praise for doing a good job.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children who are two years old and up should use fluoride toothpaste while brushing. Be sure to instruct your children not to swallow the toothpaste. You should always ask your pediatric dentist if fluoride toothpaste is the best option for your child according to their age and developmental level. Demonstrate how to properly brush teeth with brushstrokes that go up and down or in a circular motion, not side-to-side. 

Tooth-Friendly Valentine’s Day Treats

Taffy. Dark chocolate. Fruit. Truth is, some sweets are worse for our teeth than others. Hard candy, in particular, can launch a serious assault on the pearly whites of your child. Learn more about what treats you should avoid and which ones are good to go this V-day. 

Types of Candy to Avoid for Children’s Dental Health: 

 

  • Hard Candy

Any type of hard candy that you suck on for a period of time can leave a sugary coating on the teeth. This causes a prolonged period of exposure of your teeth to sugars. Bacteria will create the acid that can erode your child’s teeth and cause cavities to form. Hard candy can also break or chip a child’s tooth.

  • Gummies

Gummy candies that contain tacky sugar can be yummy, but they can also be hazardous to your child’s teeth. Gummy candy is not held in the mouth as long as hard candy, but due to the consistency, it tends to leave behind a sticky mess on the teeth. This sugary residue can erode the enamel on your child’s teeth. This enamel is supposed to serve as a protective barrier – and without it – your child’s teeth are more prone to decay. 

  • Sour Candies

Whether it is in gummy or hard formation – it doesn’t matter – sour candies are the worst type of food for your child’s teeth. A heavy-hitting concoction of acids is found in these candies (that includes citric, fumaric, and malic acids) – and it can lay a serious assault on the oral health of your child.

  • Sticky Additives

If you are baking some treats on Valentine’s Day, you should avoid adding in substances with sticky consistencies. For example, if you decide to cook brownies or cookies, do not add raisins or toffee, which will just cause all the sugars to stick to the teeth. 

Valentine’s Day Treats That are Better for Your Child’s Tooth Health:

 

  • Fruit

You can get creative and offer up some cute fruit cut into hearts on Valentine’s Day. Another type of fruit that is popular on Valentine’s Day is strawberry. Opt for chocolate-covered strawberries instead of chocolates for a healthier twist that is better for your kid’s teeth. 

  • Sugar-Free Gum and Treats

You can find yummy treats that are sugar-free for your kids on Valentine’s Day. Also, sugar-free gum is a great option, as it can even increase your flow of saliva, which neutralizes acids produced by plaque and bacteria. 

  • Cookies, Cakes, & Brownies

If you still want to go sweet but with as minimal damage as possible to your child’s teeth, then consider baked goods. Any baked good is going to be better than sticky chewy candy. Plus, you can make these recipes at home and regulate the amount of sugar that is added or even try sugar-free versions of recipes.

  • Dark Chocolate

If you want to buy small candy bars or chocolate to enjoy on this holiday, go for the dark option. This allows your child to enjoy the flavor of cocoa while gaining a couple of health benefits. In fact, one of those is that cocoa can help harden your child’s teeth enamel!

Does Your Child Need a Pediatric Dental Appointment?

Is it time to get your kid in for a cleaning? Perhaps your child has a cavity that needs to be filled? Whatever the case may be, call us today at 801-948-8880 to book an appointment at one of our four pediatric dentist offices in:

 

Top Pediatric Dentistry FAQs From Parents: Here’s Your Answers

Top Pediatric Dentistry FAQs From Parents: Here’s Your Answers

Parents have a lot of questions when it comes to taking their children to one of our four pediatric dental locations. For that reason, we have put together answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about our kids dental offices.

At what age should I first take my child to the dentist?

Getting children familiar with visiting the dentist starts earlier than you might think. Your child’s first dental visit should occur either when their first tooth appears, or when they turn one year old: whichever occurs first.

What’s the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists have completed an additional two to three years of training specializing in the care, and equipment required for children’s dental needs. A pediatric dentist limits their practice to children from infant to adolescence only. A pediatric dentist is not only specially trained to work with children, but also children and teens with special needs.

How do I clean my baby’s teeth?

Even before your baby’s first tooth erupts, you can begin to get them accustomed to the idea of dental hygiene by gently rubbing a clean wet washcloth over their gums. Once their first tooth erupts, use a small soft bristled toothbrush. You can find specially designed infant toothbrushes in stores.

When should my child stop thumb-sucking or use a pacifier?

Sucking on a thumb, or using a pacifier isn’t a dental issue right away. Often toddlers will leave behind these habits on their own. If your child is three years old, however, and still engaging in one of those soothing habits, we recommend that you work to break the habit. Visit with your pediatric dentist for tips.

Are dental X-rays safe?

In general, dental X-rays have very little risk. Moreover, pediatric dentists are cautious about the amount of radiation a child is exposed to. We use high-speed film, and protective lead aprons to minimize risk and exposure for your child.

What do I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

First, you should locate the tooth that has been knocked out. When you reach to pick it up, avoid touching the root of the tooth. If it is dirty, you can rinse it with milk. Next, you have two options. You can submerge the tooth in milk until you get to your pediatric dentist. Alternatively, you can reinsert the tooth, root first, by holding onto the crown of the tooth and placing firm pressure. If you opt for reinserting the tooth, have your child bite down on a clean washcloth to hold it into place until you can get to the pediatric dentist’s office.

This situation definitely constitutes a dental emergency, your pediatric dentist should see you right away.

How can I find a pediatric dentist near me?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has a registry of all pediatric dentists. You can search by zip code, and adjust the distance from 5 miles up to 100 miles, if necessary. You can find this registry here:

Find A Pediatric Dentist

If there are several near you and you don’t know how to choose, take a look at our in-depth guide on how to select a pediatric dentist, “How to Find the Best Kids Dentist Near Me“. In it we’ll walk you through different things you can do to inform your decision, and what to look for.

When should we begin using toothpaste?

As soon as the first tooth erupts, you can begin using a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste to clean your baby’s teeth. Brush even those baby teeth in the beginning, twice a day. From ages three to six, increase the amount of toothpaste to the size of a pea.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are a preventative measure that we firmly advocate for. Children aren’t terrific brushers, and their back teeth are often difficult for them to reach. Those molars have grooves in which food particles and plaque love to hide out. We apply the dental sealant in those grooves. It is a painless procedure, and won’t interfere with your child’s next meal. The sealant acts as a protector to the tooth to keep bacteria, food, and sugars out. Dental sealants are known to reduce tooth decay in molars by 80%!

For more information about our dental sealants, go here.

How can I prevent bottle rot?

Bottle rot is baby teeth decay that can be tied back to inappropriate bottle use (or even sippy cups). Just because your baby uses a bottle doesn’t automatically mean they will get bottle rot. It’s important that your baby use a bottle only for drinking formula, milk, or water, but not juice. If the bottle has milk or formula in it, they should not be allowed to sip on it over an extended period of time. The bottle rot happens when the teeth have extended exposure to sugar. Furthermore, they should not be put to bed with a bottle of milk or formula. If you want to put them to bed with a bottle, then fill it only with water.

For more information, we’ve written an entire article dedicated to this topic, “Baby Teeth Decay: Is It a Big Deal?

Should my child have a mouth guard for sports?

Yes! Mouthguards will protect your child’s teeth and jaw from dental injuries. For more information about mouthguards, go here.

Should a cavity in a baby tooth be filled?

Absolutely, yes. A cavity in a baby tooth can be quite painful. That aside, the baby tooth needs to stay in its place until the body is ready for it to fall out to make room for the permanent tooth. Baby teeth are place holders that assist in proper eating and even speaking.

How often should my child see the dentist?

As a general rule, we encourage parents to have their child scheduled for bi-annual checkups. However, each child is unique and if we feel a more frequent schedule is appropriate, we will discuss with you why we feel it necessary so you have a clear understanding of our recommendation.

Has it been longer than six months since your child’s last dental visit? Give us a call and get an appointment on your calendar so you don’t forget. Happy smiles come from healthy teeth.

21 Pediatric Dental Tips for 2021: Help Your Kids With Good Oral Habits

21 Pediatric Dental Tips for 2021: Help Your Kids With Good Oral Habits

The beginning of a new year is a good time for reflection, making plans, and making changes. It is also an opportunity to have fun with numbers and lists. We’ve put together a list of 21 dental hygiene tips for you and your family for 2021.

1. Instead of buying bottled water, buy a refillable bottle, and fill it from the tap.

In most (not all) households that have running water, that water has been fluoridated. Fluoride is a major player in the mouth’s daily defense against bacteria and plaque. Drinking fluoride water and giving your teeth that fluoride rinses several times a day in between meals and snacks, is important. The fluoridation of community water is likely a benefit in your home that you’ve never considered. However, it’s considered one of the ten biggest public health achievements for the entire 20th century, take advantage of it!

2. Incorporate more crunchy fruits and veggies into your meal and snack routines.

The downside to a lot of the delicious foods that we eat is that they lodge in between our teeth and in the crevices of our molars. When those food leftovers side on the gum line and around our teeth they often have time to do their dirty work on our teeth before the next time we brush. Crunchy fruits such as apples, pears, carrots, and celery. In addition to doing a little scrubbing while we crunch these fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins.

3. Routine dental visits

Even if you and your kids don’t have any symptoms of tooth problems, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have regularly occurring visits. An important part of dental care is prevention. Make sure your kids are scheduled for their yearly checkups and cleanings. Check with your insurance provider, some insurances are acknowledging the benefit of cleanings every six months.

4. Quit smoking/chewing tobacco.

This one doesn’t need a long-drawn-out explanation. Bottom line, smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for your teeth and bad for your overall oral health. Now’s a great time to work on quitting if you do either of these in order to set a better example for your kids to follow.

5. Quit or limit alcoholic beverages.

Regardless of your personal beliefs, alcohol is generally bad for your oral health. Alcohol can cause dry mouth which reduces your body’s natural defenses (saliva) against sugar, acid, and bacteria in the mouth. Many alcoholic beverages can stain your teeth, while the acidic content in many of them eat away at your tooth’s enamel. As a parent, your actions and feelings towards alcohol will influence those of your children, especially teenagers.

6. Cut back on the soda.

We know that sometimes you just really want something to drink other than water, but the truth is soda/pop is really harmful for your teeth. It’s very acidic and for every sip of soda you take, you’ve started a 20-minute-long acid attack on your teeth. So if you’re going to drink it, drink it quickly instead of dragging it out, and brush or at least rinse your mouth out with water when you’re done.

7. Use mouthwash.

Add the use of a therapeutic mouthwash to your morning or nightly routine. Proper mouthwashes can kill bacteria, fight plaque, and help prevent gingivitis. Recommended only for children over the age of 6 who aren’t at risk of swallowing the mouthwash.

8. Brush twice daily for two minutes.

Yes, this one made the list. Can’t have a list without this one. We always remind you!

9. Floss at least once a day.

Even our best brushers will admit to skipping flossing, or not doing it at all. Correct that misstep this year! Flossing is important and will grab food debris that will surprise you.

10. Chew sugar-free gum.

If you or your kids are in the habit of chewing gum, take a close look at the gum you buy. Is it sugar-free? Does it have the ADA seal?

11. Use a mouthguard when participating in sports.

Most people are familiar with football players using mouth guards for their sport, but you should really consider a mouth guard for your kids for other sports as well. Sports accidents can cause painful dental injuries. For more information about mouthguards, read our in-depth post, “Why Your Kids Should Use a Mouth Guard”.

12. Brush up on your brushing skills.

Take a moment to examine the way you and your kids brush your teeth. The technique is important; here’s a quick video put together by the ADA:

13. Let your kids pick out their own toothbrush.

Get your kids invested in brushing their teeth. Taking some ownership can help with that. Let them pick out their own toothbrush.

14. Brush with fluoride toothpaste.

Check your toothpaste and be sure it has fluoride. Look for the ADA seal too.

15. Replace your toothbrushes every three to four months.

Yes, your toothbrush needs to be replaced about 4 times a year. When the bristles wear out they can cause damage to your gums. Additionally, over time your toothbrush begins to collect bacteria.

16. Switch to whole wheat.

White flour products such as pastas, crackers, and breads turn into a lot of sugar for your teeth, and worse they can really stick in the crevices. See about transitioning to whole wheat products.

17. Bring nuts into your meal stable.

Peanuts, almonds, and cashews have the benefit of providing your body with protein, and minerals including calcium and phosphorous. Those minerals are important for your dental health because they are the minerals that are commonly eaten away from our tooth’s enamel by the sugars and acids that we consume and they need replenishing.

18. Set a schedule for eating and avoid grazing.

Do you know what we mean when we say grazing? Grazing is that slow snacking that all of us have done before where you just eat a little bit, and then a few minutes later, a little bit more, and so on. It might not sound so bad, but the truth is, it’s incredibly harmful to your teeth. When you graze, your teeth are under near-constant assault by the sugars, and acids introduced to the mouth with your food. Your tongue instinctively tugs and pulls at your teeth to try and clean out lodged foods, and your saliva is a professional defensive linebacker working hard for your teeth. Stop putting them under non-stop assault, and commit your family and yourself to set times for eating.

19. Don’t let your baby/toddler go to sleep with a bottle.

Even if your baby hasn’t gotten their first tooth, don’t start the habit of them going to sleep with a bottle. The milk or juice in a bottle can sit in their mouths and foster bacteria and tooth decay while they sleep.

20. Rinse your mouth with water after snacking or drinking.

After you and your kids snack or drink anything that isn’t water, make a conscious effort to follow it up with drinking water. Water will help to rinse the sugars and bacteria.

21. Get your kids floss picks

If flossing is difficult for your kids, don’t give up on the idea of flossing, instead, look to floss picks. Floss picks are individual flossers that can fit in tight spaces but may be easier to maneuver than regular floss. The ADA has given its seal to the DenTek Kids Fun Flosser Floss Picks.

We hope some of the tips on this list can be easy for you to incorporate into your dental hygiene routines in your home. Some may take trial and error while others may take a little longer to turn into habits, but we know you can do it. When was the last time your kids had a dental checkup? Give us a call today at 801-948-8880 and we’ll find an appointment time that works for you at whichever of our four locations is nearest you.