Ohio Insurance News and More, From Preferred Insurance.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and with that comes a few helpful Ohio insurance tips that will help put your child/children on the path to good oral health!

• No Goo Before Two - Toothpaste should not be used for brushing until a child is two years old. Up until that point, you can use water and gently brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush in the same fashion you would properly brush your own.

• Don't Sweat the Technique - Starting with a pea sized amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush, your child should brush in a circular motion, covering the entire surface of his or her teeth. Make sure they brush for at least two to three minutes. If you have to, you can use a timer, something that will not only ensure they are brushing long enough, it can be make brushing fun!

Remember, the FUNdamentals of proper brushing techniques come from you. If you brush properly and brush you child's teeth properly, by the time they have to brush on their own, it should be an easy transition.

• It's What's In Between that Counts – As with proper brushing, getting your child in the habit of flossing starts with you. If they are used to it as a part of their daily routine, then it should be a snap for them to take over the job and do it on their own!

• Avoid Sticky Situations - Curb the sugary/sticky snacks if at all possible. Besides being a great practice for building healthy, cavity free teeth, it is also a great practice for building a healthy child and, eventually, a healthy adult.

• Don't Dread the Dentist - Make sure you make the trip to the dentist fun for your child. Make it an event, something to be proud of and reward them accordingly for being on their best and bravest behavior.

In the end, it's all about encouragement. A positive, fun attitude, following the proper procedures from the get go and constant coaching are all tools necessary to great oral hygiene for your son or daughter. When they get older, and have great teeth and a beautiful smile, they can thank you for it!
For more Ohio insurance tips, be sure to look back on past blog articles for a multitude of useful information, all there for your convenience!