When it comes to your little one’s pearly whites, there is a lot to be thankful for. Their teeth allow them to eat, smile, speak, and laugh effectively. That’s why Children’s Dental Health Month is something to celebrate! It’s the perfect time of year for your child to thank their pearly white for all that they do. To help them enjoy the months to the fullest, read on for five tips to keep their smile in good condition.
Tip #1: Help Them Brush Twice Daily
Did you know that 49% of men and 57% of women only brush their teeth once per day on average? Since brushing twice per day is key to preventing oral health issues, this isn’t nearly enough. It’s important to teach your child how to properly care for their smile at an early age so that they aren’t part of that statistic.
Have them use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid enamel damage. They should also use toothpaste that contains fluoride since this provides their smile with an extra layer of protection against cavities.
Tip #2: Make Sure They Floss Daily
While the statistics for brushing teeth are lower than you would hope, flossing is even worse. Only 30% of the population flosses every day period.
Since flossing is the only way to remove 40% of the plaque stuck to pearly whites, this is a crucial part of preventing dental problems. Consider looking up diagrams or videos that will help you teach your child the proper way to hold the floss and glide it around and between their teeth.
Tip #3: Have Them Drink Water
Drinking water offers many benefits to our bodies, and that includes our smiles. Have your little one drink plenty of water instead of sweet or acidic beverages like soda and fruit juice. This will wash away bacteria in food particles to lessen their risk of tooth decay. It will also help prevent dry mouth by keeping their mouth well moisturized.
Tip #4: Watch What They Eat
Sweet treats may be tasty, but they aren’t good for our smiles. The sugar in these foods and drinks feeds harmful oral bacteria. These bacteria then release acids, which attack our enamel and make our teeth more susceptible to decay. Encourage your child to make healthier decisions for their smile by eating and drinking dentist-approved foods and beverages, like:
- Crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables – This includes apples, pears, celery, and carrots.
- Dairy products – This includes low-fat or fat-free cheese, milk, and yogurt.
- Leafy greens – This includes lettuce, spinach, collards, and kale.
- Nuts – This includes almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts.
- Fatty fish – This includes mackerel and salmon.
- Lean meats – This includes turkey and chicken.
Tip #5: Take them to See Their Dentist
Along with the above tips, be sure to take your child to see their pediatric dentist every six months. During visits, they will have their teeth thoroughly cleaned. Their dentist will also perform an examination of the oral cavity to ensure that no problems are developing. If they identify any issues, they’ll administer prompt treatment to get your child’s smile back on track.
About the Practice
Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen specializes in treating and preventing oral health problems in children. They administer a variety of treatments and can give you and your little one tips on how to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month to the fullest. Call Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen at (469) 663-0098 or visit their website for more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Justin Chan or Dr. Sage Yoo.