Tooth decay is one of the most common type of dental issues faced by children in the United States. Statistics show that 1 in every 5 children have a dental cavity and decayed tooth.
There’s a need to teach kids how to take care of their teeth from a young age. Parents and teachers play an active part to help kids.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help parents teach their kids healthy oral habits.
How To Keep Kids Teeth Healthy
A Healthy Diet
The right food intake is one of the most essential components for maintaining good oral health. Parents need to ensure their kids have a healthy balanced diet that gives them proteins and minerals to develop and grow.
Not only are fruits and vegetables good for their mind and body, but they also help maintain healthy strong teeth.
Research has found that calcium helps reduce the risk of periodontal disease. It’s imperative that children’s diets include the right portions of milk and nuts to account for their calcium intake.
Research studies have found dairy products like cheese help to re-mineralize the enamel. This maintains the oral pH balance that reduces plaque production that leads to cavities.
Avoid Sticky, Starchy, Sugary Foods
Avoid giving kids processed sugar, sweets, candies, and chocolates. The sticky toffees and starchy potato chips are harder to brush away and often settle in between teeth that lead to dental decay.
Carbonated drinks are high in caffeine and sugar and must be kept away from children. Research has concluded that soft drinks and soda beverages are a key cause of enamel erosion that leads to severe cavities and tooth decay.
Put the Bottle Away at Bedtime
Don’t put your kids to sleep with a milk bottle in their mouth. Milk contains sugar solids that can lead to cavities, especially if the teeth are left covered with milk throughout the night. A quick rinse and brush after dinner-time is essential to get the food and milk remnants out.
Make Brushing Time Fun
Make your kids look forward to brushing their teeth by making it a fun activity. The internet’s abundant with children’s rhymes and songs that you can play and sing along at brushing time. Encourage your child to join in on the singing!
Buy kid-friendly toothbrushes and toothpastes that come with animated packaging to pique your child’s interest.
Brush and Floss Together
Lead by example; brush your teeth twice daily and leave the door open so that your kids can see you brushing. Or join in with them when they’re brushing their teeth!
Help them brush their teeth by teaching them how to hold the toothbrush and use soft circular motions to brush.
Don’t forget to instill the importance of integrated oral hygiene. Besides brushing teeth, teach them how to use floss to clean in between the teeth. When they’re ready, introduce them to a mouthwash.
Use Dental Sealants
The American Dental Association recommends using dental sealants to prevent cavities in children.
The plastic coating seals the top layer of the dental crown and stops the acidic reaction of sugary foods and drinks that lead to dental decay.
Start Dental Visits Early
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first dental visit must be scheduled as soon as the first tooth erupts.
Don’t wait for your kids to have a full set of baby teeth before going to the dentist. Cavities in baby teeth are just as harmful as cavities in permanent teeth.
Take your children to the dentist every 3 to 6 months and get your oral checkup done as well. Your kids are more likely to cooperate when they see you sitting on the dentist’s chair.
Are you looking for friendly and cooperative dentists in Woodland Hills, CA? Well, stop your search as we’re here to help!
Our professional and experienced dentists deliver quality treatment using advanced technology at our high-end dental facility.
Whether you’re looking for general dentistry or cosmetics dentistry solutions, our dentists are ready with restorative procedures to improve your dental health and restore your smile.
Book your appointment today or call at (818) 346-4303 for state-of-the-art dental care!