A healthy and bright smile will not only instill more confidence in your child, but it can also lead to better health throughout their life. That means, parents need to ensure their children have healthy oral habits now, so when they leave the nest they are set up for success.
Tips for helping your child maintain their oral care include:
- Encourage them to drink more water. We all know the benefits of drinking the right amount of water each day, but did you know it can help with your child’s oral health? That’s because fluoride in tap drinking water correlates to less tooth decay and individuals keeping their teeth longer, according to the .
- Limit their sugar intake. Again, this one is obvious for many reasons. Not only can too much sugar lead to obesity and other physical health conditions, but it can also deteriorate your oral health, leading to cavities and other conditions that are sure to ruin any smile.
- Take them to the dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, children should visit their dentist for a check-up every six months in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
- Teach them to brush well. Good teeth cleaning habits are the foundation for all oral healthcare. Your child should be brushing their teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. You’ll also want to get them in the habit of flossing on a daily basis. If you need help keeping them honest, try using a timer. If your child doesn’t have any teeth yet, you can wipe their gums with a clean washcloth.
- Discourage thumb sucking. While this habit can be a way children soothe themselves, it can also lead to different oral health problems, including shifting the alignment of their teeth and creating an overbite.
- Get them the orthodontics they need. Children across the country will need the help of braces to help correct crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth or a “bad bite.” It is typically time to start thinking about braces after your child loses all of their baby teeth and their adult teeth have fully come in. This is typically between the ages of 8 and 14, according to the Mayo Clinic. An orthodontist Arvada can help create the plans for orthodontic treatment that best meet’s your child’s needs.
As parents, we have to do a lot now to ensure the future health and wellness of our children. Don’t forget to make sure your child’s oral health is on that list.
