How To Make Brushing More Fun!

BRUSHING YOUR TEETH twice a day for two minutes is an important practice that helps keep your smile bright and healthy. But, does it have to be boring? We certainly don’t think so!

Brush For A Full Two Minutes

Using proper brushing technique for at least two minutes is necessary to ensure that all tooth surfaces are properly cleaned.

Sometimes we may be tempted to speed through our morning routine and brush a bit more vigorously to make up the difference. Brushing too aggressively, however, can lead to gum recession, tooth decay, or more serious oral health concerns. So, how do we make brushing for the full two minutes more fun?

Fun Tips To Make The Time Fly By
Brush to the beat! Brushing your teeth to your favorite song can help those two minutes fly by.
Use an app. The Oral-B™ brushing app, for example, times your brushing for you while letting you scroll through the news.
Exercise. (Yes, exercise!) Some people choose to stretch, do calf raises or even squats while they brush.
Read, watch television or stream videos. Taking your mind off of watching the clock helps brushing go by more quickly.

What About The Kids?

Making brushing fun for you is one thing, for kids it can be even harder. So, what can we do as parents to help our kids enjoy those two minutes of brushing in their morning and nightly routine?
Participation. Having your kids push the button on the timer or put the toothpaste on the toothbrush are small gestures that make it more fun for them.
Make it a game! Help your kids use their imagination while brushing.
Offer a reward. For example, give your child points every time they brush. When they reach a certain amount of points, they can earn a special prize!
Brush with them! Kids love following the example of their parents and if they see you doing it, they will likely want to do it themselves.

We Love Helping You Care For Your Smile

In the end, it’s all about doing something you enjoy while brushing. Whether it’s reading the news, watching your favorite TV show, or listening to music, brushing those teeth can be quick, beneficial and fun!

If you have any questions about ways to make your oral health routine more enjoyable, feel free to ask! We are committed to providing you with all the tools you need to enjoy a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles.

*Image by Flickr user kerinin used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Proper Oral Care For Young Musicians

IS YOUR CHILD A MUSICIAN? When the stage lights are on and the curtain goes up, teeth are probably the last thing on both of your minds. However, there are some dental concerns particular to instrumentalists that we feel it’s important for you both to be aware of:

Make Sure That Instruments Are Properly Sanitized

Bacterial infection can result from improperly cleaned instruments. When musical instruments (especially brass and woodwinds) are shared across the school, there’s concern for cross-infection. Microbes can make kids sick, causing anything from rashes, to allergies, to increased risk of tooth decay.

Microbes can live in instruments for weeks or even months after the last use. Always take instruments apart and clean them properly, and brush your teeth twice a day to interrupt the development of harmful oral bacteria.

Dry Mouth And Nervous Performers

Ever felt your mouth go dry as a desert right before a performance? You’re not alone. It’s a common reaction when we’re nervous. It can get especially annoying for musicians who need saliva in order to play instruments properly.

Saliva is also important to your dental health. It acts as a cleanser and shield against bacteria and harmful elements.

Some musicians keep a stash of candy, Tic Tacs, or gum nearby to handle dry mouth. However, this could harm dental health. Without protective saliva, teeth are especially vulnerable to decay-causing bacteria that thrive when we feed them sugar. Chewing or sucking on something to encourage saliva flow is a great idea, but make sure you provide your child with sugar-free candies and gums. Encourage them to keep a bottle of water nearby to refresh the mouth and rinse away sugar and acids.

Preserve Dental Health To Protect The Music

A musician’s embouchure is an essential element for a beautiful performance. This refers to the shape of the mouth against the instrument, and it’s affected by anything from the muscles in the mouth, to the fit of the teeth, and overall dental comfort.

We care about each of our patients and we want to make sure that we’re giving your child the best care, catered to their situation and habits. When we know about your child’s passions, habits, and extracurricular activities, we’re more able to provide personalized, effective care.

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We love serving your family!
*Image by Flickr user H. Michael Miley used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.