When you’re a parent, your children’s dental health should be one of your top priorities. Not only can their teeth and gums suffer from decay and infection, but bacteria in the mouth has been linked to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke in adults as well! Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your kids’ teeth healthy this school year and beyond as well as Ortho Center that can help. Here are five tips that can help you keep your kids smiling all the way through high school.
1) Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
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It’s easy to overlook your child’s teeth while they’re in school, but it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups to make sure there are no dental problems. You should also watch for certain signs that your child may be developing tooth decay or gum disease and take them in for an exam as soon as possible. Dental health is just as important for kids as it is for adults, so don’t forget!
2) Teach Them How to Brush Properly
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It’s easy to teach your child the basics of brushing their teeth. Start by letting them watch you brush for a few minutes so they can see what you do. Then, have they tried it themselves. Be sure to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and make sure they brush their tongue as well as the tops and bottoms of their teeth. It might be helpful if you let them pick out their own toothbrush with fun colors or shapes to make it more appealing.
3) Limit Their Sugar Intake
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Limit your kids’ sugar intake to prevent tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks are full of bacteria that attack the enamel on teeth. These bacteria produce acid which causes tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. It is recommended to limit children’s intake of sugar, especially between meals. You should also avoid snacks high in sugar like ice cream or popsicles because these will lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and increase their risk for tooth decay.
4) Encourage Them to Floss
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Brushing and flossing your child’s teeth twice a day for two minutes each time is highly recommended by dentists to keep their teeth clean and healthy. It may be a struggle at first, but over time your child will get used to brushing and flossing. You can try leaving toothbrushes on both your nightstand and theirs, then place them in different parts of your house after dinner every night so they remember to brush their teeth when they wake up in the morning.
5) Visit the Dentist if there is a Problem
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It is important to have your children visit the dentist if there is a problem with their teeth. It may seem like a hassle to take them to the dentist, but it will be worth it in the long run. The dentist can help find any problems that need to be fixed and provide care for those problems. Plus, they can give you tips on how to keep your child’s teeth healthy this school year.
