Teeth and Technology

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

As a soon-to-be-dentist, and former Southern Vermont AHEC dental health intern, nothing makes me happier than when others are motivated to take care of their teeth. From the first time I demonstrated proper brushing techniques on a stuffed dinosaur to a group of preschoolers, their eyes wide and mesmerized ready to jump in and try for themselves, I was hooked. Whether it be my father gleefully showing off his electric flosser, or an aide demonstrating how her patient with cerebral palsy delights in grasping her invention (a toothbrush plunged into a tennis ball), it is inspiring to see others excited about oral health.

Technology and innovation are no strangers to the dental field. Still, there are low-cost and low-tech ways to take care of teeth and inspire others, especially children, to act.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and a time to focus on improving dental hygiene habits. Here are a few ways to learn how technology helps to improve dental hygiene habits.

Brushing Battle

If encouraging young people to care for their teeth feels like a battle, change the beat! Playing music or a video as a 2-minute timer for brushing teeth can make building lifelong habits a bit less bumpy. If you’ve got braces with brackets, tack on another minute just to be sure.

Flossing Faux Pas

Do you frequently forget to floss? Set a reminder on your phone to floss, brush, and swish with mouth rinse. Techy gadgets can make flossing more fun, but they are not necessary. Plenty of colorful, flavored picks and floss products are available. Be sure to reach beneath the gum line and use a fresh string between each tooth.

Your Teeth are What You Eat (and Drink!)

A healthy diet supports dental health. Avoid snacking and sipping sugary beverages throughout the day. Candies and carbohydrates can stick in grooves and between teeth. Set an alarm on your device and consume food and drinks in one sitting. Swish with water or brush afterwards for best results. What are you waiting for? Embrace your tech and put it to work for you to help you take care of your teeth, not just during National Children’s Dental Health Month, but always!

Author Eve Pomazi, a fourth-year dental student at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, is a former CSHIP intern with Southern Vermont AHEC.