One of the most important parts of raising healthy kids that thrive is to care for their health. When it comes to maintaining their health and well-being, their teeth determine how well they eat and their overall appearance. When you want to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong, there are many steps to take to reduce the risk of issues.
Schedule Cleanings
Visiting the dentist every six months for cleanings and an exam is essential to identify any issues that may be present. The cleanings will also remove the buildup of plaque, which will brighten their teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. The dental professional will be able to look for other oral conditions like gingivitis and wisdom teeth that are impacted. Your child can learn how to brush and floss properly at an early age at the dental office to help them maintain their oral health into adulthood.
Get Rid of the Pacifier
Although pacifiers may seem harmless, they can affect your child’s teeth by the age of two or three. It not only affects how their teeth line up but can lead to decay due to the bacteria that is present on the pacifier.
Avoid Juice and Sugary Treats
Opt for giving your child water instead of juice to prevent the sugar from sitting on their teeth and leading to cavities. According to webmd.com, it’s important to limit their consumption of apple or grape juice to four ounces each day. The juice should be 100 percent natural and without added sugar or flavors. Avoid giving the child desserts or candy regularly, which can also increase the risk of cavities over time.
Many parents also don’t realize that medicine contains sugar and can affect the teeth. Many kids who suffer from medical issues and use medication regularly are at an increased risk of tooth decay, making it essential to find alternatives that don’t contain sugar.
Create a Brushing Routine
Make it a point to help your child brush their teeth each night before bed and in the morning to remove food that has settled on the gums and teeth. Allow your child to choose the toothbrush that they use to get them excited about the task. For younger children who have difficulty being motivated, opt for using a sticker chart that tracks how many times they brush their teeth. They’ll want to maintain their oral health when receiving gifts and prizes.
According to familydoctor.org, it’s also important to purchase a child-size toothbrush for your kids and teach them how to brush their teeth, gums, and tongue. Replace the toothbrush every three to six months and use a timer to ensure that your kids brush for two minutes before rinsing out their mouths.
Get a Sealant for Their Enamel
Many dental professionals can apply a clear sealant to children’s teeth to reduce the risk of cavities that can develop. The sealants last up to 10 years but settle into the grooves of the teeth, making them blend in well and effective at preventing food from getting into small crevices of molars.
Dental sealants contain a special coating of resin that’s applied in a non-invasive procedure. It’s a white sealant that looks transparent on teeth.
Use Toothpaste with Flouride
Choose toothpaste that has fluoride because it’s known to reduce the risk of cavities and can also strengthen the enamel on the teeth. Your child can also take a fluoride supplement or get a fluoride treatment from a dental professional. You can also provide more fluoride to your kids by using a Brita filter on your tap water, which removes impurities from the water without getting rid of the fluoride that is present.
Although it can be a new stage teaching your kids how to keep their teeth clean and healthy, there are ways to make it a fun process. By visiting a dental professional, you can keep a close eye on their oral health to ensure that they continue to have a beautiful smile.