Can You Do More to Protect Your Kids’ Smiles?As a parent, you would probably do anything possible to help keep your kids safe and healthy? That said, you likely realize that protecting them often begins with gentle but persistent reminders to take care, like wearing their helmets anytime they ride their bikes, or putting on their seatbelts when they get in the car. When it comes to their oral health, protecting their smiles is similarly simple. It does require diligence, though, in making sure they actually follow through on the key steps necessary to protect their dental health!

Are You Teaching Them to Brush and Floss?

Kids’ smiles need dental hygiene just as adults do. Fortunately, one simple way to help your kids protect their oral health is by teaching them, from a young age, how to brush and floss their teeth. Then, of course, you will just need to make sure they do so daily.

Combined, these steps should take less than five minutes, yet they can drastically reduce your kids’ risk of cavities, gum disease and other oral health threats. So take time to demonstrate proper technique, and to help your youngest kids brush and floss until they have the dexterity to do so themselves. Brushing with them can also help to both set a good example and gives you a chance to watch and make sure they’re brushing long enough, and without swallowing toothpaste.

Do They See the Dentist Regularly?

Another great way to protect young smiles is by taking them for routine checkups and cleanings. Most children’s dentists recommend kids visit at least twice a year. However, you may find that your kids require more frequent cleanings if they are prone to cavities. This could be due to poor diet, insufficient hygiene, or simply genetic factors that make some people more susceptible to acidic decay.

Keep Your Kids’ Smiles Healthy

If your kids are in need of preventive dentistry,, and you would like to schedule their next dental cleanings, call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108.