How to Help Your Child Maintain Clean and Healthy Teeth
Parenthood is an amazing journey filled with lots of love, laughter, and of course, lots of new responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is making sure that your child’s teeth are healthy and sparkling! Here are 10 tips to help you get started:
- Schedule regular dental checkups: It’s important to take your child to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings (book online). This will help ensure that their teeth are healthy and that any problems are caught early.
- Teach your child to brush their teeth: Brushing twice a day is essential for keeping teeth healthy and sparkling. Be sure to teach your child how to brush properly so that they’re getting all the plaque and bacteria off their teeth.
- Floss daily: In addition to brushing, it’s important to floss your child’s teeth every day. This will help remove any plaque or food particles that may be stuck in between their teeth.
- Avoid sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda or sports drinks can damage teeth. It’s best to avoid them altogether or at least limit them to special occasions.
- Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet is important for overall health, including oral health. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy in your child’s diet.
- Avoid tobacco products: Tobacco products like cigarettes or chewing tobacco can cause serious damage to teeth and gums. It’s best to avoid them altogether.
- Use mouthguards when necessary: If your child plays contact sports, it’s important to have them wear a sports mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. Mouthguards can also be worn at night to prevent grinding of the teeth (bruxism).
- Take care of braces: If your child has braces, it’s important to take extra care of their teeth. This means brushing carefully around the brackets and wires, as well as flossing regularly. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps prevent cavities by strengthening the tooth enamel. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing your child’s teeth. You can also ask your dentist about fluoride treatments or varnishes if you’re concerned about cavities.
- Keep up with regular dental appointments!: Regular dental appointments are just as important as taking care of your child’s teeth at home! These appointments allow the dentist to check for any problems and give you personalized advice on how best to care for your child’s teeth.
Taking care of your child’s teeth may seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have be! By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to keeping those little chompers healthy and sparkling! Just remember regular dental appointments are key in keeping up with good oral hygiene habits for you and your family. Lastly, have fun with it!
When you make brushing & flossing time fun time for you & child, they will look forward to brushing and flossing!
Need A Dentist Appointment For Your Child?
Time for your child's first dental visit? Looking for a new pediatric dentist in Falls Church, VA for your Children? Request an appointment with Dr. Toothfairy.
