How to Teach Children to Brush Their Teeth

As kids grow older, they become responsible for taking care of their bodies—and smiles! However, many parents are familiar with the pickiness associated with when and how their children want to express their independence. The following tips can help with teaching a child to keep up with daily tooth brushing.

Make It Entertaining

If they feel like they're being nagged, children will consider brushing their teeth a chore—especially since it's associated with their least favorite activities: going to school and bedtime. Creating a game out of a tooth brushing routine will take the hassle out of the process and can even offer an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family while avoiding cavities. Cranking up some music (try finding a song that is over two minutes) instead of setting a timer will help with ensuring that the teeth are being thoroughly cleaned without feeling the need to closely supervise. As a bonus, playing music will make the time fly by.

Shop Together

Taking children along for the ride to buy their toothbrush will make them feel like their choice is important and will encourage them to start brushing without assistance. Let them pick out their toothbrush, but try to find a selection that includes their favorite colors and characters to keep them excited about going home to brush their teeth after dinner.

Stick to a Routine

Try to make toothbrush time a natural part of the day. When there's a lapse in the normal schedule, like a vacation, the normal routine can get off track. No matter what, be sure to make time to brush teeth as a family before everyone goes to bed and before or after breakfast in the morning. The more normal it feels, the more likely children are going to be used to brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, which will help them keep their smiles healthy on their own in between regular cleanings.

Keeping a healthy smile is easy with Storts Family Dentistry. Whether you're a new patient seeking a trusted dentist or you need emergency dental services, rest assured that you and your family will be accommodated by experienced dental professionals. Schedule an appointment at one of our three locations in Oklahoma for complete oral care.

The Differences Between At-home and In-office Teeth Whitening

Patients often whiten their teeth to improve the appearance of their smile and build extra confidence. This process involves applying teeth bleaching agents to remove stains and discolorations and can either be done at home or in a dentist's office. Brush up on these main differences between each option before beginning any teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening at Home

The options for teeth whitening at home are popular due to being cheaper than having it done professionally. Teeth whitening kits can be purchased along with a custom tray fit specifically for that person's mouth and designed in such a way that the whitening gel will not come in contact with the gums. The at-home gel contains a smaller amount of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide responsible for whitening, making it a slower process than in-office, although it does achieve similar results. However, custom teeth whitening trays are long-lasting, and patients can purchase refill whitening gel, lowering the cost even more.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

This process, recommended by the American Dental Association, requires the service of an experienced dentist, making it a safer option. It is also a faster option as it involves the use of a higher concentration of whitening gel. During this process, a barrier protects the gums from inflammation or sores that may result from misused peroxide. The whitening agent is then applied to the surface of the teeth, and a dentist uses a halogen light to complete the procedure. Halogen lights can catalyze the teeth whitening process by breaking down stains and discoloration and is typically not something that a patient would have access to at home.

If you're interested in whitening your teeth or learning more about other dental procedures, Storts Family Dentistry is a full-service practice that provides comprehensive care on all dentistry needs. We offer traditional services as well as cosmetic solutions such as bonding, Invisalign, porcelain crowns, and bone grafting for implants. Contact us today to make an appointment at one of our three convenient Southern Oklahoma locations.

How to Take Care of Teeth With Braces

Braces: the rite of passage for many kids and teens. While they help align teeth into a healthy, straight smile, taking care of them can be a little difficult. Braces have many tiny spaces where food can get trapped and cause plaque, leading to teeth staining and other complications. Proper oral hygiene with braces not only prevents damage to the braces themselves but also the teeth underneath. Below is a guide on how to take care of them.

Brushing and Flossing

Like teeth without braces, teeth with braces should be flossed regularly. Food and plaque trapped between braces should be removed daily to avoid the development of cavities and stains. In between regularly scheduled cleanings, teeth should be brushed for two minutes at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Brushing may not remove all the food particles between the teeth and under the braces, so flossing is also essential. The shorter end of the floss should be inserted between the main wire and upper tooth. One should then gently saw the floss on both sides of the teeth to avoid damage to the main wire.

Caring for Elastics

Braces with elastics are a common part of orthodontic treatment. They may make it quite challenging to talk and limit some mouth mobility; however, this discomfort is only temporary. Each treatment plan is designed to get the teeth in proper alignment as safely and quickly as possible. Elastics should be worn every day and taken out with every meal and snack. Wearers should wait until after they've brushed their teeth to put elastics back in, and they should be replaced every day for cleanliness and optimal stretch.

Avoid Certain Foods

When in doubt, food should be consumed in small bites and chewed slowly. Soft foods and liquids are best, but hard-to-bite snacks like apples and bagels can be consumed if cut into more manageable bites. Sticky candy, gum, corn on the cob, popcorn, and nuts can loosen or break wires and should be avoided.

Storts Family Dentistry offers pediatric and adult orthodontic treatments for those in the Ardmore, OK area. Request a consultation at one of our three locations to start your journey toward a beautiful and healthy smile.