Observing good dental hygiene has a lot of benefits to the general wellbeing of children. When a kid’s gums and teeth are not healthy, their bodies are more prone to other diseases. Therefore, taking care of your kid’s dental health is just as significant as taking care of their general health. Working with kids to create a healthy dental practice early on can go a long way towards a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are a few ways to making sure your children keep their pearly whites in good condition always.
Teach Them How To Clean Their Teeth Properly
Always teach your kids the importance of brushing their teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride helps to strengthen their teeth and make them more resistant to tooth decay. If they also use mouthwash, do not let them use it immediately after brushing as it washes away the fluoride. Always make sure that they brush their teeth before bedtime as it helps to stop the spread of bacteria that causes plaque, gingivitis, and other diseases. When brushing their teeth, the toothbrush should be held at an angle of 45 degrees to make sure that the gum line and the tooth surface are in contact with the bristles. Brushing should be done using an up and down motion. Also, encourage them to floss as it helps to remove food particles in their teeth that the brush misses.
Make Dental Visits Regular
Take your children to the dentist several times a year for cleaning and comprehensive check-ups. The dentist will help determine whether your kids have any dental problem that may require immediate attention or discuss a personalized medical plan for your kids. A visit to the dentist might scare some of your children. Prior to their appointment, brief them on what they can expect and encourage them to go through with it.
After all, early preventive care will save you money and time in the long run. So don’t forget to book an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Utah County and put a smile on your child’s face.
Watch What They Eat
Make sure the kids maintain a balanced diet. A stable diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as fruits and vegetables will avoid emergency trips to the dentist. As always, too many sweets are a big no-no. Help them develop a taste for healthier options that won’t wreak havoc on their pearly whites.
Refrain From Using Pacifiers for Babies
A pacifier helps to soothe crying babies. Even though there are a lot of advantages to letting your kid use a pacifier, it can also affect the alignment of their teeth, which can also alter the shape of the mouth. If it’s possible, don’t use a pacifier when they cry.
Your kids have beautiful smiles. Help them keep their smiles in good condition by teaching them how to care for their pearly whites. As parents, it’s your responsibility to remind them of the importance of regular dental hygiene.
