If you want to help keep your child’s smile healthy all year round, check out this guide from All Kids Dental.
What Are Ways Parents Can Help Keep Their Child’s Smile Healthy?
- Brush Twice A Day
- Eat Less Sugar
- Drink More Water
- Don’t Encourage Thumb Sucking
- Visit All Kids Dental Twice A Year
Your Child Should Brush Their Teeth Twice A Day
It is important for everyone to remember to brush your teeth twice a day–kids included! Although it may be tempting to skip this daily ritual, it is one of the most effective ways to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. It may be helpful for little ones if you plan to brush your teeth together so you can be sure your child is brushing for at least two minutes.
Cut Down On Sugar
Sugar may be everyone’s favorite treat, but it can be one of the most significant sources of cavities and poor oral hygiene. Sugar turns into acid and erodes the enamel on your child’s teeth, resulting in cavities, bad breath, and pain, as well as requiring early extractions, crowns, or other treatments that could be prevented. To reduce these risks, rinse with water after having any sugary drink, snack, or dessert.
Choose More Water
Did you know that saliva is an essential part of keeping everyone’s teeth and mouth healthy? Being dehydrated can not only cause discomfort but can also increase someone’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Saliva helps to sweep away food particles that can cause staining and discoloration of the teeth, as well as bacteria that leads to plaque and tartar. It also contains trace antimicrobial properties which help to fight gum infections and other infections of the mouth. Saliva is 98% water, but it also contains minerals which can help restore your tooth enamel. For these reasons, there are many oral health benefits to choosing water over juice, in addition to general health benefits.
Ask For Help Quitting Thumb Sucking
It’s a common habit for children to suck their thumbs or fingers as a source of comfort or to soothe themselves. Unfortunately, this can lead to changes in the way their mouth and teeth are aligned. Although it may take some time, if you help your child to break this habit, they will be rewarded with a healthier smile as they grow. If you are having difficulty getting your child to stop, speak to your dentist for advice on options to help.
Visit All Kids Dental Twice A Year
As children age, parents should plan to take them to the dentist for regular checkups every 6 months, depending on what the dentist recommends. During these visits, we will do a full oral examination and clean their teeth. This will keep their mouth healthy and give us a chance to form a positive relationship with the child. During these visits, we can also talk to them about good dental hygiene and how it can help prevent cavities and the need for any dental work in the future, as well as helping to reduce any dental anxiety they may have.
All Kids Dental Is The Best Choice For Your Child’s Smile
If you are searching for the best dental care for your children in Suffolk and the surrounding Virginia neighborhoods, look no further than All Kids Dental. All Kids Dental has the expertise to live up to its name and make all kids feel comfortable and show off healthy smiles. From infant exams, to tooth-colored fillings and sedation dentistry, to creating an individualized dental plan for children with special needs, All Kids Dental can do it all. For pediatric dental expertise, call and schedule a visit with Dr. Joe and Dr. Brett today!
