Three Tips for Healthy Teeth in Kids

Three Tips for Healthy Teeth in Kids

As a parent, keeping your child healthy and well is one of your top priorities. This should also include looking after your child’s teeth; a huge 42% of children between the ages of two and eleven will experience tooth decay, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Although children will eventually lose their primary teeth and go on to get their full set of adult teeth, problems such as decay during the early years can have a long-standing effect on their dental health for the rest of their life. Here are some of the best things that you can do to keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy.

Tip #1. Brush and Floss

Teaching your child good dental hygiene habits from an early age is important for looking after their teeth and promoting good dental health for life. As soon as your child is old enough to brush their teeth and know not to swallow their toothpaste, you should upgrade to fluoride toothpaste, as that will offer the best protection against cavities and decay. If you’re worried about the potential side effects of using a fluoride toothpaste, you can put your mind to rest by reading this information about fluoride from ilikemyteeth.com. You should also teach your child how to floss their teeth; you can do it for them until they are old enough to do it themselves.

Tip #2. Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks

There’s no denying that many kids enjoy sugary foods and drinks, but allowing them too much can lead to serious tooth problems. As a parent, you are at an advantage when your child is young, in that you can get them used to eating healthy foods and drinking water, helping to instill healthy eating habits for life. One of the biggest causes of tooth decay in children is allowing the child to go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup full of milk or juice; the liquid will sit in your child’s mouth all night and create the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, leading to tooth decay. Instead, the best option for a drink at night is always water.

Tip #3. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Many parents worry about taking their child to the dentist, especially parents who may themselves be nervous or even afraid of getting in the dentist’s chair. However, bear in mind that even if you have had a bad experience at the dentist yourself, it is paramount to your child’s dental health that they begin having check-ups as young as possible. Choose a reputable pediatric dentist who will be able to help put your child at ease and make it into a fun and enjoyable experience for them. Remember that the earlier your child becomes used to their regular dental check-up, the less stressful it will be for both of you.

When it comes to looking after your child’s health, dental care should be a top priority. Did these tips help? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.