Two Overlooked Habits That Help Your Child’s Smile

Posted December 21, 2020

‘Tis the season for photos, and whether you have a new baby with one tooth starting to peek out, or a “big kid” who’s already made friends with the tooth fairy, your caring pediatric dentist in Dallas, TX wants the best for every child’s smile. This means regular visits for preventive care, and good brushing at home. While we could make many recommendations for good pediatric oral health, today we’ll focus on two habits we encourage families to practice in 2021 and beyond.

Habit #1: Think About What Your Child Drinks (We Hope It’s Lots of Water!)

Water is one of the best liquids for your teeth, whether you are one year old, or 100. Not only is it relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, but tap water is fortified with fluoride. Fluoride is vital to helping tooth enamel stay strong. It is so important, that your Fort Worth pediatric dentist recommends fluoride treatments for almost all young teeth, in addition to fluoride they receive from drinking water.

Even More About Why We Suggest Water

Offering water in place of sweetened juices and sodas means less sugar in contact with tooth services, and lessens the chance of your child sustaining a cavity. Placing a tooth colored filling restores a cavity, but preventing a cavity is even better.  Finally, clear water can rinse bacteria from the teeth with every sip, and it doesn’t contain colorants, which means young teeth stay brighter.

Habit #2: Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports

Once your child is up and running around, there is more chance of a bump or serious blow to the mouth that could loosen or completely dislodge a tooth. A chipped tooth can also mar a smile. We know it isn’t practical to wear a mouthguard all day, but when your child is playing contact sports, or engaging in activities like skateboarding or mountain biking, consider a mouthguard. Our trusted team can discuss mouth guards with you, if you have questions on behalf of your child.

Smile Protection is an Excellent Habit to Form for 2021

New year’s resolutions are just around the corner, so why not put smile protection habits on the list? To learn more, or to schedule a visit, contact our office at 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.