Back to School, Back to Hygiene! 4 Tips for Getting Your Family’s Dental Health Back on Track

The last six months have been anything but routine for families with young kids. Among the biggest changes? The seemingly endless stream of snacks and sweets being consumed either to pass the time or inject some much-needed joy into daily life.

So, how can families get back on track with their oral hygiene now that September is here? Tammy, a dental hygienist of 20 years and the Chief Flossing Officer at SimplyFloss, offers the following tips for parents and kids alike:

1. Drink More Water: Water is the healthiest drink for your smile and your body as it helps to cleanse teeth and discourages tooth decay. Drinking water is especially important while mask-wearing to combat dry mouth and swish away bacteria.

2. Brush 2X a Day with Good Technique: We’ve all heard this one before, but it bears repeating! Frequent brushing helps teeth stay whiter and healthier. Angle bristles toward the gumline at a 45-degree angle with just enough pressure to make tissue a lighter color. Use gentle small strokes focussing on only one or two teeth at a time.

Toothbrush Tip!  Choose a brush with softer bristles as medium or hard bristles can degrade enamel or cause gum recessions when combined with aggressive brushing.

3. Floss Regularly (It’s Never Too Early to Start!): Flossing isn’t the most popular hygiene habit, but it should be considering how important it is! Foregoing floss can lead to bad breath, decay and other dental issues.  

4. Book Your Dental Visit: Routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile by removing stain and tartar from the teeth. Dental offices are reopening under strict COVID-19 guidelines and regular visits are an important part of a well-rounded oral hygiene routine.

September is always a great time to restart healthy habits, but particularly this year as families have been out of routine for so many months. 

-The SimplyFloss Team