15 Apr Steps to Keep Your Child’s Mouth Healthy
Children need education, coaxing, lecturing, and sometimes nagging to do the things needed to keep them healthy and happy. Caring for your child’s teeth is a parents’ job for many years, and even when youngsters evolve into teens and beyond, reminders to brush, floss and keep appointments with the dentist may be needed.
When children are small, parents brush their teeth for them; as they grow, they teach children how to brush and floss on their own … one of the best ways to demonstrate this lesson is through example. Allowing small children to watch you brush and floss daily demonstrates a wonderful habit that they can carry on into adulthood.
Brushing and flossing are daily habits to adopt, but on their own are not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy, especially as youngsters grow into teenagers. When children are young, sealants can be applied to teeth before decay has a chance to develop. This coating is painted onto the tops of teeth to protect dental enamel.
Diet becomes critical to oral health, especially when sugary snacks and beverages become a primary food group for your child. Limiting sweets is important as plaque builds on teeth that can contribute to dental decay and gum disease.
Cavities cannot be ignored, so if decay starts, it must be repaired. This can create anxiety and discomfort that could have been avoided. While daily brushing and flossing are important, using the correct tools is also imperative. A soft bristle brush, fluoride tooth paste or gel, along with a fluoridated rinse help to keep teeth fortified against the bacteria that can lead to decay.
Visiting the dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and exam should be honored. Plaque build-up can only be removed with the assistance of your dental professional. During dental appointments, fluoride applications are also available as an additional source of protection.
Adolescents are often concerned about their appearance, particularly their smile. Keeping teeth as bright as possible coupled with the tools needed to keep teeth and gums healthy will enhance their oral health as well as their smile.
The correct daily dental regimen, keeping twice yearly hygiene appointments, and limiting excessive sugary snacks and beverages are important rules to maintain oral health. And oral health plays a significant role in your child’s smile which can impact their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Call our dental office at 972-264-5795 for more tips in keeping your family’s oral health up to date.