9 Tips on How Parents Can Keep their Child’s Smile Healthy

Preventive dental care for children is a mixture of habits, activities, and practices that help individuals prevent damage to the gums and teeth. It generally includes seeing the dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and check-ups, flossing and brushing daily, etc. Both adults and kids can take advantage of preventive dentistry. As we know, dental care starts before the eruption of the first tooth, which usually forms in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Preventive Practices that Help Encourage Kids Dental Health at Home

Below are the reasons to consider early preventive dentistry for dentists:

Stick to Well Balanced Dental Diet

Tooth decay is common in children. As they get older, the risk increases. Unhealthy foods lack sufficient nutrients. It makes our teeth deficient in certain minerals and vitamins.

Therefore, the dentist advises kids to follow a proper dental diet. It includes cutting down on caffeinated and sugary beverages, taking three servings of veggies and fruits every day, etc. Nutritious foods also include cheese, plain yogurt, etc.

Fix Routine Dental Check-ups and Cleanings

Another way to keep your kids’ smile strong and healthy is to fix routine dental check-ups and teeth cleanings every six months with a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry. Remember, the earlier your little one starts receiving dental exams and cleaning regularly, the healthier their gums and teeth will be for longer.

Eliminate Baby Bottles

Break the habit of having a bottle constantly in the mouth when not drinking. It’s because it can result in bottle rot on the teeth. Therefore, always teach your kids to hand over the sippy cup or bottle to use when they finish them. Furthermore, to prevent dental hygiene problems, try to break off the pacifier habit without delay.

Keep Your Home Clean

Parents must keep their homes neat and clean to ensure good dental hygiene for kids. As you know, it is normal for toddlers to grab and chew things on the ground surfaces like bottles, toys, etc. With time, dirt, and bacteria start building up and cause damage to the gums and teeth of your kids.

Motivate Your Kids About the Importance of Flossing and Brushing

Your kids need to know the importance of flossing and brushing their teeth, mainly when they find it hard to do on their own. You can help them by doing that themself. Teach your children to brush using fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. You can also speak about correct brushing techniques to help them know why certain patterns are essential.

Remember, children love to see what their parents do and mimic it. The sooner you begin flossing and brushing their teeth, the easier for them to make a habit out of it. To make flossing and brushing fun, you can play their favorite song or create a chart with golden stars every time they finish it.

Get Sufficient Fluoride

If your water supply is not fluoridated, ask your dental professional for a fluoride supplement. Using fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel. It makes it difficult for the acid to penetrate. But do not take too much because doing this can lead to discoloration on the tooth.

Listen to Your Kids Carefully

For parents, children’s oral health education is pivotal. But sometimes, your children might not explain the problem in their mouths. Although it is worth checking inside their mouths occasionally, there are a few issues that you can’t see.

Therefore, listen to your kids whenever they complain of tooth pain. Also, start taking your children to the dentist when the first tooth erupts. The expert will give you answers to questions about preventing dentistry for children.

Get Mouthguards

If your kid plays sports, always ask the professional about the best mouthguard that can protect your kid’s smile.

Ask for Dental Sealants

Tooth decay-causing bacteria can accumulate between teeth where toothbrush bristles fail to reach. The dental professional will help you recommend dental sealants for the chewing surfaces of back teeth. It’s the area where tooth decay usually begins.

Conclusion:

Maintaining children’s dental health will prevent other dental conditions or diseases and enhance their overall health. Therefore, make sure you take proper preventive measures regularly.

For more details about children’s dentistry in St. Catharines, ON, contact an expert at Girardi Dental today.