October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Learn About the Daily 4!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Learn more about the Daily 4– brush, floss, rinse, and chew–steps that lead to a healthy smile.

Call Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry today at 813-576-0200 to schedule an exam and cleaning for your child!

Brushing

Dr. Botero recommends children brush their teeth twice a day, for two minutes. Doing so will prevent cavities by removing bacteria that might be lurking on or near tooth enamel!

Engage in tooth brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of a toothbrush should accommodate the size of your child’s mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

Replace toothbrushes every three or four months–sooner if bristles are frayed. A worn-out toothbrush isn’t a good tool for cleaning teeth.

Flossing

To keep teeth cavity-free, children should floss every day. Floss sticks are sometimes easier for children to navigate. If you choose to use traditional floss, instruct the child to put the thread in between their fingers and glide it carefully under all of the spaces in between teeth where food particles can hide out.  Floss your teeth each night to prevent cavities. Flossing is a great way of keeping teeth clean and healthy!

If you think about it, the toothbrush is only able to clean two sides of your teeth. Flossing gets the other sides that are in between teeth. Flossing not only helps prevent cavities, but also protects against gum diseases like periodontal disease that could lead to an entire host of other problems down the road!

Rinsing

It might sound a bit bizarre, but rinsing your teeth can actually reduce the risk of cavities. That’s because bacteria from  food particles is transferred to the surfaces of your teeth when you bite into something or drink. Rinsing helps rid those particles from your teeth and mouth.

Mouthwashes are also and effective form of eliminating mouth bacteria while freshening breath.

Chewing

The benefits of chewing food include not only making food easier to swallow, but it also improves the taste and absorption of vital nutrients. Chewing promotes more saliva production which helps clean your mouth while you eat. Saliva helps to wash away any bacteria that could remain after eating, which prevents tooth decay or gum disease!

Visit Dr. Botero for Professional Dental Cleanings and Exams in Tampa

Tooth decay is a serious issue for children, but can be avoided with professional help. In-office exams and dental cleanings are the only ways to ensure that your child’s teeth are always clean of plaque and tartar buildup which could lead to cavities or other dental problems later in life. Dr.’s Botero  and her team at Li’l Sunshine Smiles use calibrated tools designed specifically around effective preventive care measures. We help fight against oral hygiene neglect by educating parents on ways they can improve oral home care steps.

In-office exams are also the time that a dentist can see what you can’t see visually using digital x-rays. This technology allows us to stay ahead of hidden decay, stopping it before it can become serious.

During a dental exam, Dr. Botero evaluates your child’s risk for developing oral problems by assessing the face, neck and mouth. She uses digital x-rays to see below the surface of teeth and gums to prevent hidden decay from becoming serious or getting worse!

Call Li’l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry today at 813-576-0200 to schedule an exam and cleaning for your child. We are excited to help you with your oral care journey and welcome you to our dental family!