As adults, most of us understand the importance of looking after our teeth. After all, we only have one set to last our entire adult lives. However, even though your child's milk teeth only last until they are 12, it is still important to establish healthy brushing habits as soon as possible.

Teaching your children about tooth brushing can be a challenge. This is can quickly become a chore and is difficult to fit into a busy daily routine.
Unfortunately, tooth decay is one of the most chronic diseases in children at the moment and this can have a big impact on their life. This can affect how your children eat, speak, and learn.

To help you out we've put together some ways that you can inject a little fun into your morning and evening oral health routine! Let's take a look at some great ways that you can make tooth brushing for kids fun!

1. Brush Your Teeth Together 
Children love to learn socially so showing them that you brush your teeth can really help them. This also shows them that everyone has to brush their teeth to stay healthy. So they are more likely to associate it with being fun and grown-up. 

Try to carve out a time in your routine to brush your teeth altogether. This could be after breakfast in the morning and just after bathtime. Try to brush after each meal if possible. 

2. Let Them Pick a Cool Toothbrush
Letting your child choose their toothbrush is a great way to get them excited about brushing. It also gives them a sense of control and purpose over the activity. 

Of course, it's important that they have an age-appropriate brush. So try to narrow down their choices before you offer it to them!

3. Find a Song to Brush To
For thorough cleaning, you and your kids should brush for at least two minutes twice a day. This can feel like a long time for a child, especially when their attention span is short. Finding fun ways to measure this time can really help.

You might want to get a cool hourglass or stopwatch. Or you could find a song that they love to brush to. This is a great way of establishing a tooth brushing routine — simply put the song on and away you go!

4. Play Around With Tooth Brushing Technique
Your children need to learn how best to brush their teeth so why not have some fun with this? You can try out different tooth brushing techniques when your kids get a new toothbrush. 

To start with, show them how you brush and then see if they can copy. This is a great way to teach them about circular brushing motions versus up and down brushing. You can also use this time to show them different parts of your mouth and how to clean them best. Make sure to show them the hard to reach areas that are most often missed. Around the very back molars in the mouth and the areas closest to the tongue. 

Your kids might want to look at their own mouths when they do this so make sure you have a mirror to hand.

5. Create a Star Chart
You should always praise your kids whenever they clean their teeth. This is a good way of positively reinforcing their routine. But you can take this further by creating a rewards chart as well. 

Rewards charts are easy to make — all you need is some colored cards, some pens, and some stickers. Then you can add a sticker every time they brush their teeth properly. Over time you can create a rewards scheme so a certain number of stickers will result in a prize!

This is a great way of incentivizing your kids to stick with their brushing.

6. Teach Them How to Brush on Their Toys
Kids are often being told or shown what they need to do or having it done for them! This can leave them feeling like they don't have a lot of independence, which takes the fun out of things. 

So why not put them in charge and let them brush one of their toy's teeth at bedtime after they've done their own? Of course, you need to pick a toy that is easy to clean.

Alternatively, you can let them try their technique out on you. This role reversal is sure to make them giggle — plus you can always try out your best 'aaah' sounds for comic effect!

7. Plan an Exciting Dentist Visit
Kids won't always understand how brushing your teeth every day impacts your long-term health. Teaching them to associate dental care with family dentist visits can help them get their heads around this.

It is a good idea to try and make visiting the dentist as fun as possible. This might involve planning a fun activity before or after a dentist visit. For example, they could go and collect their star-chart reward after seeing the dentist!
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Creating this positive association early on will make them more confident about seeing the dentist in the future. It will also help to reinforce the importance of their everyday teeth brushing routine.

Keep These Tooth Brushing Tips in Mind
As you can see, when it comes to encouraging your kids with their tooth brushing it's all about finding the fun! Making this a fun activity now will also help them establish a healthy tooth cleaning routine in the future. So it's worth putting the time in. 

We've got loads more great advice on looking after your dental hygiene. For more inspiration, check out our top tips for keeping your teeth clean between dental visits.

About 13% of children and 26% of adults have untreated dental caries. Meanwhile, only 86% of children and 65% of adults have visited a dentist in the past year. It's important to learn how to maintain your oral health between visits.

Otherwise, your risk of tooth decay will only increase between appointments.

Instead, follow these seven essential dental care tips. With these tips, you can keep your teeth clean between dental appointments. You'll have peace of mind knowing you're doing everything to improve the state of your teeth!
Keep your teeth sparkling and clean with these seven simple tips today. 

1. Make It Routine
While it might seem like a simple tip, many adults and children neglect to brush twice a day. If you want to improve your dental care this year, make it a habit. Brushing after every meal would be ideal if possible.

If you have younger children, consider brushing as a family. Younger children usually want to mimic their parents. If they see you brushing, they might get into the habit, too.

Neglecting to brush your teeth two to three times a day will allow plaque to coat the surface of your teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar over time. You'll need to visit your dentist to clear tartar away with a professional cleaning.
Otherwise, your risk of gum disease and tooth decay could increase.

Instead, make sure to brush two to three times a day after meals. Brushing can keep plaque from building up.

Make sure to brush every single tooth. Brush using circular motions and at the focus on the gumline where plaque accumulates.

You don't have to go over the top to maintain your routine. Instead, brush after every meal for at least two minutes. Don't forget to floss every night at bedtime, too!

Flossing will ensure food particles and plaque don't remain trapped between your teeth and under your gums. Otherwise, your gums could become infected and inflamed. If you're not flossing, you could develop gum disease.

Signs of gum disease include sensitivity, changes in your bite, and swollen gums.

Talk to your Upland dentist about your flossing technique to make sure you're thoroughly cleaning each tooth.

2. Cut Bad Habits
Bad habits like smoking and consuming large amounts of sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth. Instead, use these dental care tips to improve the state of your teeth between appointments.

First, try to avoid drinking soda regularly. The ingredients responsible for making soda fizz can eat away at your tooth enamel. Your enamel protects your teeth from potential decay.

If the phosphoric and citric acid in soda breaks down your tooth enamel, it could increase your risk of cavities.

Instead, try to drink more water. Water can wash away bacteria, acid and food particles that are clinging to the surface of your teeth.

Try to limit how much sugar you have each day, too. Minimizing your sugar intake can keep your teeth healthy and clean between visits.

Otherwise, sugar will feed and promote bacterial growth in your mouth. This bacteria released acid that damages enamel. Acidity and bacterial growth can also cause plaque. The bacteria growing in the plaque can increase your risk of tooth decay or gum disease.

Don't worry; you don't have to cut out sugar completely. Instead, try to limit how much you consume. If you have something sweet, try to do it before you're planning to brush.

If you want to improve your tooth health this year, consider cutting smoking out of your routine, too. Smoking can have a lasting impact on the state of teeth and gums. 

In fact, the nicotine and tar in cigarettes can start to eat away at your gums. Smoking can cause bacteria production to increase, too. As plaque forms, your risk of gum disease and tooth decay will continue to rise.

Smoking could increase your risk of oral cancer and tooth loss as well. 

3. Adjust Your Diet
A few small changes to your diet can have a major positive impact on your dental care. Consider adding foods that will benefit your oral health to your routine.

For example, you can start consuming more dairy. Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are high in phosphates and calcium. These minerals can help strengthen your teeth.

Consider adding in mints that contains xylitol. Xylitol can combat the bacteria that causes cavities. Mints with xylitol can keep your gums and teeth clean. In fact, they can also boost saliva production.

Saliva can fight against cavities and gum disease.

4. Use the Right Technique
Brushing your teeth twice a day is only part of the equation. How you brush your teeth matters as well.

Take a moment to consider your technique. First, make sure to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. Then, use circular, short motions.

Make sure to point the brush toward your gum line, too. Then, brush each tooth between 10 and 15 times.

Using the proper technique will ensure you clean every tooth thoroughly. If you're unsure about your current technique, talk to the best dentist in Upland! They can help make sure you're brushing properly.

5. Chew Gum
Consider chewing on a stick of sugar-free gum after lunch. Gum can freshen your breath and remove excess food particles between brushings.
Gum can also boost your saliva production. Your saliva contains natural antibacterial properties. It could prevent bacteria from feeding off of food particles in your mouth as a result. 

6. Change Your Brush
Make sure to switch out your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles look weak, they might not work as effectively. Instead, switch brushes each time you visit your dentist. 

7. Schedule Checkups
It's not enough to use these dental care tips, though. You also need to make sure you're visiting the dentist twice a year. They can help ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.

They can also help you catch signs of decay or gum disease before the problem gets worse.

Brush Up: 7 Dental Care Tips for Stunning, Healthy Teeth
Don't let bacteria and plaque impact the state of your teeth between appointments. Instead, use these dental care tips to keep your teeth healthy and clean. With these tips, you can visit your dentist feeling confident in the state of your teeth.

Want to discuss your dental care with the best dentist in Upland? We can't wait to see you. 
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Contact us today to get started.

If you're searching for a confident smile, you may be worried that painful metal braces are the only option for you. But did you know that the Invisalign clear system can correct even severe dental issues? 

Simple, less painful, and almost impossible to see, Invisalign aligners are growing in popularity each year. But what exactly is Invisalign, and what are the benefits of this system? 

We're here to answer these questions and more in this guide to all your Invisalign FAQs, so don't go anywhere! Keep reading for information that could help you on your way to a brand new smile!

How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?
Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to pull your teeth into their desired position and require painful tightening. Instead of metal and wire, Invisialgin users clear aligners to accomplish the same task. 

Your dentist will create a treatment plan based on a scan of your mouth and your dental goals. Based on this plan, they create clear aligners that will snap neatly over your teeth. 

As time goes on and your teeth gradually change positions, your aligners will be swapped out for new ones. The end result? A brand new smile that you can flash with confidence!

Is Invisalign Painful?
Traditional braces have a reputation for being painful, especially after they are tightened. And unlike Invisalign aligners, they cannot be removed at home if they are causing extreme discomfort. 

Invisalign is considered to be far more comfortable than metal braces, though soreness during treatment is still common. Most patients report that they experience mild pain during their first week that fades as time goes on.
Eventually, you may not even remember that your wearing aligners!

If at any point the pain seems more severe than usual or the aligners are not fitting correctly over your teeth, you should seek an appointment with your provider as soon as possible. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The length of your treatment will depend on your goals and the current placement of your teeth. Generally, the more severe the displacement the longer treatment will take. 

The average time of treatment is about 12 to 18 months, though it can be shorter or longer depending on several factors like age and dental health. The older teeth are the more effort it takes to move them, meaning that treatment in a teen will usually take less time than someone in their 30s. 

Compared to the average treatment time of metal braces, which is 18-24 months, Invisalign is often the quicker option. 

What Dental Problems Can Invisalign Treat?
Some of the most common dental problems Invisalign is used to correct include:

• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Gaps
• Crowding
• Deep overbite
• Excessive overjet

Invisalign is well-equipped to handle even severe dental problems, and most patients are good candidates for this form of treatment. To learn more about whether you or your child qualify for Invisalign, speak with your dental care provider. 

Are Any Foods Off Limits With Invisalign?
Many patients with metal braces are disappointed to find that several foods can't be eaten during treatment. Luckily, Invisalign has no such problems! 

Because you should be taking your aligners out every time you eat, you never need to worry about what food your eating. Instead, you just need to remember to remove, brush your teeth, and put your aligners back on after snacks or meals. 

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
For most patients, the cost of their Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces.

The total cost of Invisalign will depend on the severity of the teeth misalignment, the time treatment takes, and how well you follow the program instructions. Failing to follow your provider's guidance could result in a longer process, which in turn can up the cost of your treatment. 

Most insurance plans will cover Invisalign treatment the same way they would traditional metal braces. To find out more about what Invisalign could cost for you, speak with your dental provider. 

Is Invisalign Suitable For Children?
Today, metal braces are no longer the first option for many parents. Simple, invisible, and less painful, the Invisalign system has many benefits over traditional braces that make it appealing to parents and kids alike. 

While teens typically do very well with Invisalign, younger children are not always ideal for this method of treatment. When deciding if Invisalign is right for your child, you should consider their maturity. 

Invisalign aligners should be in for at least 22 hours a day in order for treatment to progress properly. Because the aligners can be removed easily, you should make sure your child understands the commitment of Invisalign. 

If you feel your child will keep the aligners in the minimum amount of time and follow all dental provider instructions with your guidance. Invisalign could be a great option for them. 

Another great reason for choosing Invisalign is because it is so much easier to brush and floss your teeth during treatment. Since the aligners can be removed to brush and floss, it is easier to clean your teeth, and reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease. 

To learn more about what options may be best for your child, speak with them and their dental care provider. 

Beginner's Invisalign FAQ Guide
If you or your child are interested in improving your smile and your dental health, you have more options than ever before. Today, Invisalign is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional braces and comes with several amazing benefits. 

Now that you know the answers to some of the most burning Invisalign FAQs, you're ready to take the next step on your dental journey!

Looking for more information on Invisalign and other dental health topics? Reach out today to schedule a visit with our office and speak with our team of dental experts!