This post is part of a sponsored collaboration between ProNamel® 6-12 Years Toothpaste for Kids and SheKnows Media.
Or should I say, a dental marvel. At her first dentist appointment ever, at (*ahem*) three-years-old, I sat at the foot of her exam chair, bouncing baby Des on my leg. The hygienist looked at her teeth, and then did a double take. Then she looked some more. “Did you know that your daughter has two teeth fused together??” Honestly, I really hadn’t noticed! Of course I knew that two teeth came down when she was about 18-months-old, one after the other. And they did look rather stuck together, but I had never really considered it from a medical point of view. It was a new experience for seemingly all of us.
I was nervous they’d call us out on not having excellent brushing habits for Scarlet, but in truth, it was never that. It was her funny, cute smile – just a bit different than the norm. As the dentist said when he walked in to look, “I’ve heard of this, but I’ve only ever seen it in textbooks, and never in person.” They had to do an X-ray to make sure that the permanent teeth above weren’t also fused together at the root, and it turns out to just be her baby teeth. She hasn’t lost any teeth yet, but I look forward to seeing her quirky smile when she does! We were told to take dental hygiene seriously, no matter her age.
Now that Scarlet is six, she seems just at the pinnacle of learning about dental care. She goes to the dentist every six months, and especially loves clean teeth and the treasure box at the end the most. She has to swish fluoride in her mouth at school every Thursday, which is a new development. I’m very dental hygiene-obsessed because it was a very hard road for me, with cavities, gum disease, sensitive teeth and enamel issues. I hope for good genetics for her, but I realize that lifestyle is a huge part of it. We do a light and fun dental routine at home, and we talk about products and foods that are good for her teeth.
1. Learning by example. Scarlet first watched us brush her teeth, and then she learned to brush her teeth with us watching. Now she can do it on her own. Her hygienist also uses a mirror with Scarlet to show her different brush strokes.
2. Use a good toothbrush! We use an electric toothbrush for Scarlet, based on her request after talking with her dentist. She has two baby teeth fused together at the root. Since she can’t get her toothbrush or floss in between the two teeth, they recommend a kid-sized electric toothbrush for her specifically for that reason to get the tartar out.
3. Use an hourglass or timing app to brush for at least two minutes. I love this advice! I gave her an hourglass I found in an old board game and it lasts for exactly two minutes before the sand runs out.
4. Scarlet and I came up with this together – be age-appropriate with your dental hygiene, and take instructions from your dentist and from the directions on your tube of toothpaste. Des is three should only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste at his age, and at Scarlet’s age, she’s ready for flossing when her teeth start to touch!
5. We pick out a great toothpaste that is age-appropriate and will actively strengthen the precious enamel Scarlet has!
What we don’t think enough about, is that the foods that kids eat and love – like oranges, other citrus products, and sports drinks – are quite acidic and can eat away at kids’ teeth. Luckily, we have ProNamel 6-12 Years Toothpaste for kids to help prevent Acid Erosion during this crucial time in Scarlet’s tooth development. At this time, when kids are losing their primary teeth and growing in secondary teeth, the enamel is particularly soft on the secondary teeth. It takes time for enamel to harden as these grow in. Once enamel erodes or is removed, it never grows back. ProNamel® for Kids is specially formulated to protect against cavities and everyday acids. ProNamel® Toothpaste is the #1 dentist recommended brand for strengthening and protecting enamel. Tooth enamel needs to be protected, starting at an early age.
0 comments:
Post a Comment