9 Tips To Keep Kids Teeth Healthy

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9 Tips To Keep Kids Teeth Healthy
As parents we understand the importance of good
dental habits and do our best to pass that onto
our children. And healthy adult teeth start with
healthy kids teeth! Keeping kids cavity-free is
the ultimate goal, after all, poor dental health
impacts more than just your pocketbook and their
smiles. In fact, a California Society of
Pediatric Dentistry study found
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Untreated dental disease compromises the childs
ability to eat well, sleep well, and function
well at home and at school. The unaesthetic
nature of untreated dental decay compromises the
childs self-esteem and social development. Sourc
e The Consequences of Untreated Dental Disease
in Children
How To Keep Kids Teeth Healthy Unfortunately,
many of these adverse effects of an unhealthy
smile extend long after childhood, and what
better time than  National Childrens Dental
Health Month , to share some tips  for keeping
kids teeth healthy

• Be a role model. Kids like to imitate those
  around them, so be a good role model and
  demonstrate good oral health habits for
  them. Brush and floss with your kids, rather than
  sending them into the bathroom on their own.
  Instead of treating it as a chore, make it part
  of the daily routine.
• Teach them. Show kids under age 3 how to use a
  rice-size amount of toothpaste. Once kids are
  able to understand how to spit, rather than
  swallow the paste, they can use a pea-size
  amount. When teeth have grown to touch each
  other, kids can floss and rinse with mouthwash
  daily.

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• Keep dental appointments. Keep a regular routine
  of visiting the dentist twice a year, and involve
  your children. By keeping your appointments, you
  make it a normal activity, and they will make it
  a ritual. Your child should have their first
  dental appointment within 6 months of their first
  tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes
  first, and then twice a year after that.
• Talk. Talk to your kids about what they can
  expect at the dentist. At their dental visit,
  talk to your dentist about any concerns you have
  such as crowding, thumb sucking, losing
  teeth, mouth guards, and whatever else concerns
  you. .
• Eat healthy foods. Avoiding sugary drinks and
  foods not only helps overall health but it can
  create a discussion about cavities. When sugar is
  allowed to sit on your teeth, it can create
  decay, and we all want healthy, strong teeth to
  enjoy the things we love.

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• Brush. Brushing twice a day for at least 2
  minutes is recommended, yet not always achieved.
  Set a timer and use a tartar dye if desired to be
  sure all the teeth surfaces are reached and that
  brushing has happened long enough to be effective
  at removing plaque. There are apps available to
  make brushing and caring for your teeth fun.

• Consider Sealants. For healthy kids teeth, talk
  to your dentist about the option of having your
  childs teeth sealed. Sealants can help prevent
  cavities and resulting fillings.
• Use Rewards. Let kids choose their own toothbrush
  (within reason) and consider a goal chart to
  track their progress on a goal that leads to a
  reward such as going to a movie, or taking a trip
  to the toy store.
• Dont share germs. Dont share utensils, sippy
  cups, bottles, pacifiers or other items with your
  kids or allow them to be shared with others.
  Bacteria in our mouths can be passed to each
  other and isnt healthy. Be sure to sanitize all
  items that may be in your babys mouth to prevent
  bacterial infections such as thrush.

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Healthy Kids Teeth Goals
Ultimately, it should be your goal to build the
foundation for your family to achieve healthy
teeth from childhood and beyond. Jump start those
lifetime habits by making these healthy kids
teeth goals

• Avoid Sugary Foods
• Brush Twice a Day
• Floss and mouth rinse daily (per age
  appropriateness)
• Visit the dentist twice a year
• Make oral health a fun habit!
• Healthy kids teeth start with good parenting and
  a great dentist! Find one near you today or call
  us at 312-988-9855!

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