As adults and parents, we understand how important oral health and good dental habits are and it is our responsibility to pass them on to our kids. The goal is to keep your kid’s teeth healthy because it won’t just affect your wallets but also their perfect little smiles.
How to Keep Your Kid’s Teeth Healthy
Unfortunately, overlooking oral health during childhood leaves a lasting impact on your teeth. To help keep your kid’s teeth healthy, we have gathered some tips:
Be a Good Example
Kids love imitating the people around them, whether it is an older sibling, an aunt, or their parents. The idea is to set a good example and show them good oral health habits so they can follow suit. Instead of sending them to the bathroom alone, brush and floss with them and make it a fun activity to do together, instead of an annoying chore.
Limit Some Foods
While completely omitting sugary foods, juices, and candy might not be possible, you can limit them. Candy like gummy vitamins, or sticky, gummy candy, or even fruit leather roll-ups can cause cavities and erode enamel. Whenever they consume these, in a limited quantity, immediately rinse their mouths and brush their teeth so the sugar is washed away. This also applies to when they consume sweetened liquid medicines, brush or wash after taking them. Be cautious with acidic foods, such as oranges and tomato sauce, and brushing. Wait about 30 minutes before you brush to avoid enamel damage.
Schedule Regular Appointments with the Dentist
All kids should visit the dentist within 6 months of their first birthday or right after getting their first tooth, whichever occurs first, and twice annually after that. While visiting the dentist twice a year, involve your children in it. Make it a normal activity and a ritual. Speak with your child about what will happen at the dentist’s. While at the dentist, discuss thumb sucking, crowding, mouth guards, losing teeth, and anything else that concerns you. You could choose to do it in front of your kids so they are involved.
Brush for at Least 2 Minutes
It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes, but that doesn’t always happen. Some ways you can do it are by setting a timer, playing some music and dancing along to it! Make sure while brushing your child reaches all surfaces and nothing is missed, so all plaque is removed.
Use Rewards
You can set little rewards as incentives to brush regularly. Let your child pick their own toothbrush of their favorite superhero or cartoon and you can add a chart to keep tabs on their daily progress. Once certain milestones are reached, they can get a reward, like a picnic at the park or their favorite snack.
Drink More Water
Drinking water is really beneficial to keep your kid’s teeth healthy. It keeps their mouth clean and prevents the formation of plaque, which, as we all know, won’t grow in a clean and hydrated mouth. Drinking water helps dilute the acid from food and beverages and protects teeth enamel.
Bottom Line for Keeping Your Kid’s Teeth Healthy
Ultimately, your goal should be to build your family’s oral health habits so they have good teeth during their childhood and well into adulthood. Don’t delay – start them young and get brushing!
Are you looking for a pediatric dentist? Dr. Lance and our team are friendly and gentle and create a warm and comfortable environment for your whole family. We’ll make sure the smallest smiles are healthy so they can put their best face forward and achieve whatever they set their minds to. We also offer family appointment blocks so you can get the whole gang in to see us in a single visit! Schedule today!
