5 Tips for Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy Year-Round
We all want to give our children strong, healthy smiles and teeth that will last a lifetime. Maintaining good oral hygiene is more than just visiting the dentist every two years. All year round, it’s important to cultivate healthy habits. Here are 5 essential tips for keeping your child’s smile in top shape no matter what the season.
Keep to the Routine: Brushing and flossing
When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, consistency is the key. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your child’s teeth twice daily for two minutes.
A Dentist’s Perspective:
Fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.
It is important to brush before going to bed in order for bacteria that may cause decay over night to be removed
Our Tips for Parents:
Replace their toothbrush every 3-4 month with one that has soft bristles.
Use floss picks and kid-friendly flossers for children to help them floss.
Encourage fun! Choose a character-themed toothbrush or a toothpaste that they enjoy.
Snacks that are tooth-friendly
Your child’s oral health is greatly affected by what they eat. Sugary drinks and snacks can cause tooth decay.
A Dentist’s Perspective:
Sugary foods can cause bacteria to produce acids, which weaken the enamel.
Crunchy vegetables and fruits help stimulate gums and clean teeth, improving oral health.
Our Tips for Parents:
Bring snacks such as cheese, yogurt and whole grains that are high in calcium to support healthy teeth.
Avoid sticky or chewy candies that stick to your teeth and are difficult to remove.
Teach your children to drink plenty of water after eating to flush out food particles. This will also help to maintain a pH balance in their mouth.
Bright Smiles Begin Here
We at Open Sesame Dentistry believe that giving your child a healthy, beautiful smile is the best gift you can give them. We have over 20 years of experience in pediatric dental care and are here to keep your child’s smile healthy all year round. Are you ready to give their oral health priority?
Book online or call us on 212-874-1200 today!
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental visits are important to prevent cavities and catch potential problems early.
A Dentist’s Perspective:
Professional cleaning can remove stubborn plaques and tartar that brushing alone cannot eliminate.
Early detection of dental problems, such as cavities or misaligned molars, can save time, money and discomfort in the future.
Our Tips for Parents:
Ask about sealants at your check-up. Sealants are a protective coating on teeth that protects them from decay.
Avoid stress by scheduling appointments during holidays or school breaks.
After the dental visit, let your child choose a small prize to reinforce the positive associations with dental care.
Protect their teeth during sports
Consider getting your child a mouthguard that is custom-fitted to their teeth if they participate in sports.
A Dentist’s Perspective:
The mouthguards do not only protect the teeth, but they also reduce the chance of concussion and jaw injuries.
The custom-fitted guards will be more effective and comfortable than the store-bought ones.
Our Tips for Parents:
Speak to your dentist regarding a mouthguard that is custom-made and fits perfectly.
Always have an extra mouthguard in case your first one gets damaged or lost.
Instruct children on the importance to wear a mouthguard both during practice and in games.
Lead by example
When parents prioritize dental care, their children are more likely develop good oral hygiene.
A Dentist’s Perspective:
Children learn best by observation. Parents can demonstrate good brushing and flossing techniques by demonstrating them themselves.
Modelling good dental hygiene will create a culture of dental care in your family that will last a lifetime.
Our Tips for Parents:
Brushing and flossing with your family can be a fun activity.
Share videos and books recommended by dentists that will make learning about dental health fun.
Celebrate positive behaviours with small rewards, such as cavity-free checks.
It’s not difficult to keep your child’s smile healthy all year round. You can help your child have a healthy smile for life by instilling healthy habits and being proactive about their oral health. We’re always here to help at Open Sesame Dentistry. We can help you schedule your child’s dental checkup today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dentists recommend starting to clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth even before the first tooth appears. Once the first tooth emerges, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants and toddlers. By the age of 2-3, your child can begin learning to brush with your supervision.
Moderation is key when it comes to sweets. You don’t have to eliminate them entirely, but try to:
- Limit the frequency of sugary snacks and drinks.
- Offer sweets after meals instead of between meals, as increased saliva production during meals helps neutralize acids.
- Encourage rinsing or brushing after consuming sugary treats.
- Choose healthier alternatives, like fruits or yogurt, which satisfy sweet cravings while providing nutritional benefits.
- Maintain regular dental checkups to monitor and manage any early signs of tooth decay.
Yes, using a mouthguard is advisable for any sport or activity that carries a risk of falling or impact to the face, not just traditional contact sports. Activities like gymnastics, skateboarding, biking, or martial arts can lead to dental injuries. A properly fitted mouthguard can protect your child’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury, and it’s a simple precaution that offers significant protection.
