As you’re probably already aware, going to your pediatric dentist in Stuart, FL and instilling good oral health from an early age is a must. Poor dental health can significantly affect your child’s overall health, as well as his or her self-esteem, social life and even school performance.

The good news is that a fabulous new toy is being created for dental education for children that can help.

BrushyBall LLC launched a Kickstarter campaign recently to help fund the manufacturing and marketing of an innovative and education toothbrush training coach for kids. Its educational toy, also named BrushyBall, was developed by entrepreneur Robert Malen who realized that singing toothbrushes with built-in timers weren’t teaching his four-year-old daughter how to brush her teeth properly.

Malen wanted to find a way to teach the proper brushing technique in a fun way, ultimately producing the prototype sink-top toy that uses a follow the leader sequence to demonstrate and encourage proper tooth brushing. The initial reaction by Dental professionals has been quite positive.

Regular brushing helps to remove the sticky film of bacteria known as plaque. If it’s not cleaned thoroughly, the bacteria in plaque can break down tooth enamel, which can cause gum disease and cavities. According to the U.S. Public Health Service, dental and oral disease currently affects more than 50 percent of children in America. Physicians and dentists say that oral health is a very important part in determining a child’s general health. If ignored, dental problems can lead to pain, disfigurement and much higher treatment costs – not to mention the emotional effects.

In addition, Stuart, FL families need to remember that frequent intake of sugar foods or drinks leads to frequent acid attacks and eventual loss of tooth enamel, making good snack and meal choices crucial as well.

Of course, while teaching proper tooth brushing techniques and ensuring good nutrition is essential for good oral health now and in the future, making regular visits to your pediatric dentist is also a must. From the age of two, visits every six months are essential for preventing problems – and, when it comes to good oral health, prevention is the name of the game.