How To Keep My Kid’s Teeth Healthy – Tips for Children’s Dental Health
We know that it is important to take care of our mouth and teeth. As more research reveals links between dental health and our overall health, it is important to start early. According to Stephen Mitchell, director of predoctoral pediatric dentistry at the School of Dentistry at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, “Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among American children. It’s four times more common than asthma.”
He suggests that it is up to parents to create a good foundation by establishing the following healthy habits.
- Limiting sweets and sugary drinks
- Daily brushing
- Daily flossing – yes, daily flossing is essential!
- Balanced meals that include proteins, vegetables, dairy and fruits
All of these tips will help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Misuse of Bottles and Sippy Cups
For young children, baby bottles and sippy cups should only be used at mealtime. Do not allow your child to carry the cup around with them, and never allow them to sleep with them. Tooth decay is all about the amount of time a child’s teeth are exposed to sugars. Parents should brush their young children’s teeth until they are coordinated enough to brush on their own. After that, parents should do an inspection and make sure their child is using proper brushing techniques and doing a thorough job.
At C R Dental Group, located in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Reisman and Dr. Contrucci know the value of ongoing excellent oral hygiene. They encourage parents to teach children good oral habits. Combining good habits with regular dental visits is key to helping them ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
