Image courtesy of Washington County Public Health.

Are your children brushing their teeth properly?

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to celebrate oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for keeping a healthy bright smile, but what’s especially important is technique, according to Washington County I-Smile Coordinator Martha Hernandez, “We definitely want them to focus around the gum lines. A lot of times we focus on brushing on the crown of the teeth, but a lot of the bacteria that sits on our mouth is between our teeth and around the gum line.”

Increased bacteria in the gum line can cause gingivitis, a gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gums and can lead to more serious disease and tooth loss. Brushing teeth and gums at a 45-degree angle and flossing in a C shape can help rid bacteria and prevent gingivitis. Hernandez also recommends children see a dentist regularly, starting at the age of one.