A happy smile is a healthy smile! Did you know that tooth decay is the single largest cause of school absences? The longer decay goes untreated, the worse it gets. Not only can this mean costlier expenses for you, but it also jeopardizes your child’s oral health and education. There are a number of steps you can take to keep your child’s smile healthy by reducing their risk of developing tooth decay. You can help your child have a healthy, happy smile by taking a few steps to defend against tooth decay at home.
Have A Healthy Diet
First, reduce the number of sugary foods and drinks your child ingests. Bacteria feed on sugar. Limit your child’s sugar intake by keeping candy, soft drinks, juices, and other sweets to a minimum. We suggest you reduce carbohydrate intake as well. So, limit grains, beans, seeds, and nuts in your child’s diet when possible. These foods can lead to the demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your kid’s diet such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots. Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, particularly cheese, yogurt, and milk. Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth. Increasing the amount of calcium in your child’s diet can help strengthen tooth enamel, one of the natural defenses against decay. Also, be sure to brush or rinse your child’s mouth regularly especially after eating sugary foods.
Brush & Floss Regularly
One of the best steps you can take for your child is to help them establish a daily brushing routine. Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal at-home dental care routine. Your child should brush for at least two minutes each time in the morning and at night. Make sure you buy a soft bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth. You can even try brushing at the same time each day so that it becomes a habit. We also strongly recommend that you monitor your children to make sure they are brushing correctly and safely. It’s important that children avoid swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash.
Routine Check-ups & Dental Sealants
Coming in for routine pediatric dental exams in Temple, Texas is important. Here at Canyon Creek Dentistry, we recommend having your child come in twice a year or every 6 months. Your child should start seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges. And just as important, your child will have an easier time “warming up” to the dental office environment at a younger age than if you wait. Dental visit anxiety, on the other hand, could continue into adulthood and interfere with regular dental care. Furthermore, while at your child’s dental appointment, ask about getting dental sealants. Dental sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the tooth which helps protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and minimize exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down enamel.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Temple, Texas, look no further. Here at Canyon Creek Dentistry, we specialize in children’s dentistry. We would love to see your whole family. If it has been a while since your child’s last dental visit, schedule an appointment today!