Simple, Kid-Friendly Tips for Great Oral Health
Are you worried about your kids’ dental health? Have they been prone to cavities in the past, or have you seen plaque buildup forming on the front of their teeth, lately? If so, there are great preventive steps that can be taken to care for those precious smiles, including many you have likely already taught your kids. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are all essential parts of oral care. But did you know there are also other simple steps that can be taken to keep their smiles healthy?
What Can Be Done to Care for Their Smiles?
Daily dental hygiene and regular checkups and cleanings are important parts of keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Fortunately, there are some other ways you can help your kids keep their pearly whites shining and healthy.
- Chewing sugar-free gum between meals can help create saliva, which helps naturally fight plaque buildup. By limiting the bacteria’s ability to form on the surface of teeth, saliva can help prevent cavities and gingivitis.
- Drinking lots of water is also helpful, as it keeps the mouth (and body) properly hydrated. Another benefit of drinking more water, as a family, is that it will limit soda and other sugary drink consumption, which can be especially harmful to the teeth.
- Speaking of sugar, limiting the amount of sugar your kids consume on an average day, is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. Since plaque bacteria feed on sugars, limiting sugar’s role in your kids’ diet can help reduce their likelihood of developing cavities.
- At your kids’ next dental visit, talk to the pediatric dentist about how dental sealants could also help protect their smiles. Treatments like fluoride are often a simple way to prevent cavities.