February is designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month by the ADA. Throughout this month, dental health professionals try to focus on educating young patients and their caregivers on oral health. Pregnant women will also receive guidance on how to take care of their oral hygiene, as their habits will undoubtedly affect their children’s oral health.
When it comes to children’s oral health, it’s also important to visit a kids dentist regularly. A kids dentist is specially trained to work with children and can help make dental visits a positive experience. They can also provide valuable education and resources to help children learn good oral hygiene habits. Encouraging children to take an active role in their dental care can set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Teach the Child a Comprehensive Oral Hygiene Routine
- To protect children’s teeth, you need to introduce them to an effective oral hygiene routine. Here are some tips to help you out. Encourage the children to brush twice daily. Kids under the age of ten should be supervised.Teach proper flossing techniques. Model them as well to prevent them from injuring themselves. Get fluoride treatments in order to prevent tooth decay. Consult the Pediatric dentistry specialists at Kirkland Family Dentistry for more details.Regular dental checkups are a must. Strive to visit the office every 6 months to 1 year.
Feed Them Teeth-Friendly Foods
Talk to kids about which foods will help their teeth remain strong. Make sure you tell them the reasons why certain foods are good or bad. In fact, try to get your entire family to follow a teeth-friendly diet as even adults can benefit from these foods.
- In addition to what your dentist recommends, remember the following tips to regulate what you eat and ensure the health of your teeth.
- Avoid sugary sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks. Even diet soda is going to wreak havoc on your teeth.Foods high in carbohydrates such as pasta, potato chips, snack bars should be consumed sparingly.Dairy products such as milk and cheese are a great snacking option. A recent study shows that these edibles protect teeth from acid erosion.Hard fruits such as apples and peaches are better than sugary snacks if the kids are craving something sweet. Wholegrain cereals and nuts are also recommended,
The USDA’s (United States Department of Agriculture) My Plate food template is a simple and healthy starting point if you want guidance for teeth-friendly meal plans.
Know Which Candy and Sugary Treats Kids Should Eat
Everyone knows there is no way kids can completely resist the temptation of candy. However, there are a few sugary delights they can sink their teeth in without hurting their teeth. Just make sure that they have the following in moderation.
- Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and lower in sugar than milk chocolate.Sugar-free Gum- Chewing gum dislodges food particles from teeth and encourages the production of saliva. More saliva allows acids in the mouth to dissolve.Hard Candies and Sugar-free Lollipops- These are great for kids as they prevent dry mouth by increasing saliva production.
On the other hand, your children need to avoid the following bad candy examples.
- Sour Candy – The acids in these candies can easily damage tooth enamel.
- Sugary Baked Goods and Snacks – Cookies, cakes, doughnuts and similar snacks are high in sugar and will cause tooth decay if consumed in large quantities. Sticky or Chewy Sweets- Taffy, gummy candy, dried fruits, and other sticky or chewy sweets can get stuck in small teeth crevices.
As your child’s toothbrush can’t reach there, they may end up with cavities before your next dental visit.
Encourage Constant Learning
- Give your kids a chance to learn about good dental health on their own. There are some great online resources and websites you can use, most of which have been designed specifically for the young ones. Here are some for you to start with:The ADA’s (American Dental Association) information portal for kids MouthHealthyKid
- The Canadian Dental Association’s Kid’s Education Portal The Indiana Dental Association’s Drinks Destroy Teeth
Teaching good oral health habits to kids is a necessary part of education. Most schools will have dedicated programs during February, so make sure your kids participate in them to learn good dental habits. If you’re looking for ways to make your child’s dental visits less stressful, consider asking a trusted dentist near me for recommendations on kid-friendly seminars or exhibitions. It’s a small effort that can pay off with fewer painful visits and lower medical bills.
