As a parent, you probably already take a lot of steps to help ensure your kids stay safe and healthy. For instance, you insist they wear their helmets when riding their bikes, that they eat vegetables that aren’t fried, and that they drink milk to maintain strong bones. But do you sometimes wonder what more you could be doing to help protect your kids’ dental health? If you care about helping your kids avoid cavities and other dental issues, it is important to teach them good habits that can help them maintain healthy smiles.
1. Limit their sugar intake.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your kids’ oral health, is to limit how much sugar they are consuming on a regular basis, a task that is easier said than done. Candies, cupcakes, and other obviously sweet treats aren’t the only foods high in sugar. Many seemingly healthy options can also be laden with sugar, which can contribute to cavity development.
Cereals, granola bars, even yogurts and juices are often filled with added sugar, especially those that are marketed to kids. So read the labels before you buy your kids’ favorite snacks and lunch items. Try to avoid those which list sugar, in its various forms, as a leading ingredient.
Instead, provide them with nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, as often as possible.
2. Make sure they brush and floss, daily.
Another simple way to protect kids’ oral health is by making sure they are brushing and flossing their teeth every day. Brushing should occur at least twice a day, but it is also wise to brush after sugary treats, as well. This can cut down on plaque buildup, and therefore protect against cavities. Keep in mind young children may need assistance with their brushing, both to ensure they are brushing long enough, gently, and without swallowing toothpaste.
3. Take them for regular preventive care.
Finally, it is important to take your kids to regular preventive checkups, in order to remove any plaque buildup that has calcified onto the teeth, as well as to check for burgeoning dental problems.
Most kids should visit the dentist at least twice a year for preventive checkups, though if your kids are particularly prone to cavities, you may need to schedule more frequent visits for them to protect their oral health.
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