There are so many reasons as to why you should keep your family’s teeth and gums as healthy as possible:
*Maintaining their sparkling smiles.
*Avoiding toothaches and discomfort.
*Being able to chew for good nutrition.
*Avoiding gum disease and other serious problems.
Don’t worry! The great news is that there are simple ways on how you can keep your family’s (and even your own) teeth and gums strong and healthy from childhood to old age! Here they are:
#01. It’s never too early to start. One in four young children can develop signs of tooth decay way before they even start school. By the time your kid reaches the ages of 12 to 15, you can expect that half of the children his or her age have cavities. Dental care should actually begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears – usually around six months after birth. When dealing with babies, their teeth can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or a very soft brush. When your child turns two years old, then you can let him or her have a turn brushing for themselves; just be sure to still follow up and supervise them.
#02. Seal off any trouble. Permanent molars come in when your child turns six years old. Thin protective coatings may be applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth to prevent tooth decay in the pits and fissures. Sealants are known for reducing caries significantly. For more questions about this dental tip, do not hesitate to set up an appointment with one of our dentists today!
#03. Use the right amount of fluoride. Fluoride is known for strengthening enamel, making it less likely to decay. Some people even drink fluoridated water. There are also kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. Just be careful, though – you do not want to use too much fluoride! It should be used sparingly in young children – not more than a pea-sized dab on their toothbrushes. Too much fluoride can cause white spots on the teeth – you do not want that either. It is a rare occurrence though that we actually see this. As such, this can be an important additive to tooth care to prevent the other end of the spectrum of soft spots or decay which we see routinely. Happy medium!
#04. Brush teeth twice a day and floss daily. Tooth decay and gum disease continue to be big problems and not just for older people! Three-quarters of teenagers, according to a study, have gums that bleed.
#05. Block blows to the teeth. Sports and other recreational activities are great for building healthy bodies, but they can also pose a great threat to the teeth. Most school teams require kids nowadays to wear mouth guards. However, unsupervised recreational activities such as rollerblading and skateboarding can still result in injuries. Have one of our dentists create a custom-fitted mouth guard for your kids.
These are just some of the great dental tips that moms should know! For more expert dental advice, do not hesitate to give us a call today and set up an appointment with one of our trusted dentists!
