Good dental health starts with you! Here are 10 tips to keep your kids’ teeth healthy.
Lead by example. Show your kids that taking care of your teeth is important and not so hard by practicing good oral health yourself.
Choose a dentist thoughtfully. Be sure to select someone who you and your family like and trust. It will make visits more pleasant for everyone.
Stick to the recommended schedule. Take your kids to the dentist regularly — usually every six months — for routine cleanings and check-ups. Not only is this good for their dental health, it can also help your children build a comfort level with the dentist.
Remind them to brush. Always ask your children if they brushed their teeth before they leave for school, and when they are getting ready for bed. If teeth-brushing cooperation is a constant struggle, try making it fun by brushing your teeth at the same time, humming a silly song or agreeing to “brush” a doll’s teeth after they brush theirs! Until your child can tie their shoes by themselves, they’ll need your help to properly brush.
Encourage them to brush at school. A travel toothbrush can be easily packed in your child’s backpack so that he or she can brush after snacks and lunch while at school. This might be tricky in the early years, but as they get older they will start to care about maintaining their pearly whites.
Teach the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing and may also help prevent gum disease. Gum disease may be associated with health complications later in life. It can also help eliminate bacteria that can lead to bad breath. Flossing goes hand in hand with brushing, so make it part of your child’s routine early.
Make sure your child eats breakfast every day. There is evidence that young people who eat a high protein breakfast have noticeable reductions in cravings for sweets later in the day, creating an environment that will be less prone to decay.1
Replace soda and juice with water. Encourage them early on to choose water as their go-to drink. Sugary beverages leave the teeth coated and ripe for decay. When they do have a sweet drink, have them use a straw. This reduces their teeth’s exposure to sugar.
Reduce sugar in their diets. While this may not be easy, this effort is important to so many aspects of their health beyond just their teeth. Replace sugary snacks with healthy alternatives, such as fruit, cheese, and veggie sticks. Reserve sweet drinks and treats for special occasions. And, read labels — you might be surprised to discover all the places where sugar hides.
Reward healthy habits. Leave small tokens or rewards from the “tooth fairy,” every now and then, to reward your child for practicing good oral health.
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