IT HAPPENS TO THE BEST OF US… Our children doze off just a bit too early and they end up skipping their nightly dental health routine! Not to worry. A rare, occasional slip-up isn’t a problem—but skipping your nighttime brushing and flossing routine as a habit can have negative effects.
Why Brushing And Flossing At Night Is So Important
When we sleep our metabolism slows. Our body reduces the amount of saliva we produce so we’re not always having to swallow all night or gag on our spit! Pretty cool, yes. But without that moisture our mouths dry out, the tissues start becoming inflamed, and bacteria can proliferate, causing gingivitis and eventual periodontal disease. Now, all that is worst-case scenario. However, it doesn’t minimize the importance of developing great habits.
5 Ways To Make Your Child’s Nightime Routine Most Effective
1. Brush & Floss Right Before Bed – Use a gentle, soft toothbrush. Spend two full minutes to treat every cranny, nook and surface. 2. Brush You Tongue And Roof – Teeth aren’t the only important things inside our mouths. Your tongue and the roof of your mouth can harbor bacteria. Gently brush them too. 3. Floss, Floss, Floss – Of all the great habits you could develop, making it routine to floss each time you brush is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your smile. Don’t neglect those very, very back teeth either. 4. Don’t Cheat – If your routine happens too early in the evening, you’ll be tempted to cheat… That is, you’ll eat another cookie before retiring to bed! If that happens, better go through your routine once more. 5. Brush The “Right” Way [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIJvqkj8c0s?rel=0]
Great Habits Reap Great Rewards
One of the most important ingredients for great oral health is a great routine. This week, take a moment to re-examine your child’s nightly habits and see if there’s something you can improve! Now is the time for them to learn how to get the best clean from their daily habits. If you have questions, let us know!
