Learning games is a great way to engage kids with new ideas, facts, or skills– like the skill of maintaining lifelong oral health!
In case thinking up dental games isn’t your thing, we’re here to help. Introducing: Dental ABC’s! This game is sure to help your young patients familiarize themselves with dental concepts so they feel comfortable and confident on their regular office visits to their SW Portland dentist at Burlingame Dental Arts. Here we go!
A is for American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP is a science-based organization dedicated to children’s health– including their oral health!
B is for Brushing, of course!
Kids and adults should brush their teeth a minimum of two times a day, for two minutes each time. Hold your brush at a 45 degree angle and work gently along your gumline. For more tips, see the ADA website.
C is for Cavities… yuck
That’s what we’re fighting against. Without proper hygiene, bacteria in our mouths harm our tooth enamel and can cause cavities.
D is for Dentist
Your dentist partners with you and other health-care professionals to ensure your very best health. Dr. De Graff is all committed to providing outstanding dental care.
E is for Excited!
That’s how we feel when we know you’re coming in for an appointment!
F is for Flossing
We recommend flossing at least once a day. Flossing is just as critical to oral care as brushing is; it cleans the parts of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t, and protects against gum disease.
G is for Gingivitis (and Gums!)
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease, and is often characterized by gum bleeding, pain, swelling or reddening. Gingivitis is pretty common, and is almost always cleared up with better oral care, but it’s still important to mention any gum bleeding or pain at your dentist appointment.
H is for Halitosis
Halitosis means bad breath!! There are many factors that can contribute to halitosis: poor oral hygiene, eating stinky foods, acid reflux, and more. If you have persistent halitosis, it’s important to speak with your SW Portland dentist at Burlingame Dental Arts.
I is for Insider Tip
Our team at Burlingame Dental Arts is committed to patient education– including sharing all our insider knowledge about dental health and hygiene!
J is for Jaws
Not the movie, your jaws! Your mandible and maxilla form the framework for your smile, and good dental health contributes to good oral bone health as well.
K is for Kiss
This one’s up to you… but good oral hygiene is far more likely to lead to romance than its alternative.
L is for Laser
More and more, lasers are used in dental procedures. Ask us how we use lasers in our clinic!
M is for Mouthguard
This protective device is critical for avoiding injuries when playing sports, and some people with bruxism (tooth grinding) wear mouthguards at night so they don’t wear down the enamel on their teeth.
N is for Nitrous Oxide
Also called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a sedative that can help reduce anxiety during a difficult dental procedure.
O is for Oral health, which is our passion!
P is for Plaque
That’s the sticky build-up of bacteria and their metabolic products that we get on our teeth. Plaque can lead to tooth damage, so regular brushing and flossing to clean it off is critical.
Q is for Quite Extraordinary
This is the praise our staff showers on our patients’ dazzling smiles!
R is for Rich
This is what you are after the Tooth Fairy comes.
S is for Smile
A healthy smile can make a big difference in a young person’s life by giving her the confidence to raise her hand in class, meet new people, or ask for a raise. Lifelong oral care is key to maintaining your smile.
T is for Toothpaste
One of oral hygiene’s indisposable tools, choose a toothpaste with a pleasing flavor that contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel.
U is for Urge to Brush
Many of our patients enjoy brushing their teeth after meals and snacks to ensure a flawless (and spinach-free) smile.
V is for Victory…
… against plaque and bacteria!
W is for White…
The (non) color we hope your smile is!
X is for Xray
This is an imaging tool we use to look closely at your teeth and monitor for cavities or health changes. We use the digital version in conjunction with our goal of being a paperless clinic.
Y is for Why not see your favorite SW Portland dentist today?
Z is for Zero cavities…
… with regular oral care.
We hope you enjoyed our Dental ABC’s!
Photo Credit: bitzi 
ion-bogdan dumitrescu via Compfight cc
