New Year’s resolutions are an annual ritual of self growth and reflection. It’s a time to set goals for a healthier mind and body. While most resolutions involve losing weight or quitting a bad habit, oral health should not be overlooked, especially when it comes to your children. The following five resolutions from your friendly Houston Dentist can be easily incorporated into your day to help keep your children’s mouths happy and healthy.
Brush Morning and Night
Getting kids to brush their teeth, especially twice a day can be a hassle, but it’s far better than a trip to the dentist. Daily brushing reduces the amount of oral bacteria and keeps tooth decay at bay. Making daily brushing a part of your child’s morning and nighttime routines can lead to a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Brushing with your child, letting them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste or playing a song to teeth proper brushing time are just a few ways you can make brushing a fun experience.
Get Them Flossing
Just as brushing is necessary to clean outer surfaces, daily flossing is important to reach the pesky bacteria and food particles that hide between teeth. This process should be done at least once a day before brushing. This helps to loosen particles for the brush to easily wipe away. Floss holders make it easy for your child to get in there and get teeth clean.
Substitute Sweet Beverages
We all know that sugar is bad for your health. It is especially bad for your little one’s oral health. Sugar in sweetened drinks combines with the mouth’s normal bacteria to create an acid that can destroy tooth enamel. Once enamel is gone, bacteria can seep in and wreak havoc on oral health. Water is best, but if your child does have sugary drinks a light brushing afterwards can help keep teeth healthy.
Stay Away from Sugary Snacks
Snacking and children go hand-in-hand and nowadays there is no shortage of snack foods on the market to fill this need. Use caution and read labels when choosing snacks for children. Many, including those marketed as ‘healthy,’ contain added sugars. Just like sugary drinks, sugary snacks can also lead to tooth decay. Stay away from processed foods and stick to the basics when it comes to snacking.
Protect the Pearly Whites
Children get hurt. There’s no getting around that, but there are things you can do to protect your child’s oral health. One way is to have your child wear a mouthguard when biking or playing contact sports. Mouthguards can reduce trauma caused by contact and help keep your child’s teeth intact.
While day-to-day mouth maintenance is vital for your child’s oral health, regular visits to the dentist are also essential. Professional cleaning and check-ups will keep children’s smiles sparkling for life. Don’t delay in scheduling an appointment with Sinada Houston Dental today!