There’s been a lot of changes in the past couple of weeks, but one thing isn’t changing the way it works: our old nemesis, tooth decay. With adjustments to routines and finding new ways to organize our days, we must continue to maintain good oral hygiene. Dental offices might be postponing non-emergency appointments, but that doesn’t mean your oral care has to stop altogether! Here are our main tips for taking care of those pearly whites and help fight tooth decay during this time:

1. Wash your hands – wash for 20 seconds before and after any personal dental care
2. Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes – be sure to get those hard-to-reach areas!
3. Floss once a day – this helps remove bacteria and build up in places that a brush can’t reach
4. Limit sugary drinks and snacks – too many sugars can harm the surface of teeth and lead to cavities
5. Keep your dental tools clean – place your toothbrush, floss, and any other items that go into your mouth in places that don’t touch other items

With a well-kept oral routine, you can help protect your teeth against decay during this time!

Although we are closed for routine cleanings and appointments, please note that we are open for dental emergencies. If you are experiencing extreme pain or swelling in the mouth, please contact our office and we will help provide the care that you need.

Our office wishes the best for our patients now and always. We look forward to seeing you all in our office again!

Dr. Drew and Crew

Trying to find creative ways to get your children excited about brushing their teeth can sometimes feel like… well, like pulling eye teeth. But we have some great tips to make the twice-a-day routine enjoyable for everyone.

Set a Good Example

First and foremost, helping your children develop good oral hygiene starts with you, the parent. By making a point to brush and floss – that’s right, floss – around your kids, then they’ll do what you do. This lays a strong foundation for teaching them how long to brush (two minutes!), how to brush, and how to floss.

Make Brushing a Household Event

Did you ever think that morning and evening routines can be more than just an individual task? Getting everyone together, especially with raising young tots, to brush teeth helps continue to set a good example as well as pull everyone together at the beginning and end of the day. A win-win!

Select the Toothbrush

Making brushing fun can start before you even brush. Allowing your child to choose his or her toothbrush gives them the opportunity to get excited about the routine. Music-playing brushes, Disney characters, superheroes, bright colors, lights, animals, sounds, and more: The possibilities are endless! If kids are excited about their toothbrush, they’ll be even more excited to put it to good use.

Keep a Routine

Practice makes perfect, right? Practicing the same routine morning and night can help your young ones get used to when they have to start brushing on their own. By going to bed after the same series of events, kids learn how to not only have good oral hygiene habits but also an calming nightly routine.

Need a little extra help in perfecting that brushing and flossing routine? Dr. Drew and Crew is here to help!

https://drdrewandcrew.com/contact/ 
520 S. 14th St.
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
479-242-3739