Follow These 5 Tips for a Healthier Mouth

You and your entire family benefit from all the positive things you offer from the foods consumed to the daily essentials you provide. One of the things you or your children may take for granted involve something used every day … teeth. Taking your child to their pediatric dentist every six months starting at age one will help to ensure their teeth remain strong and healthy. Important factors that impact oral health include:

Professional care – Those dental checkups every six months are critical to remove plaque buildup. Plaque contributes to dental decay and gum disease so to help maintain your kid’s dental health, make sure they honor these appointments. In addition to having their teeth cleaned and examined for potential problems, there are preventative treatments available to contribute to better oral health such as topical fluoride applications and dental sealants.

Daily oral maintenance – Providing proper tools like a great toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste and rinse, and floss are only helpful when put to good use. Make sure to monitor your young children to make sure they are brushing at least twice every day. Teach them to floss by allowing them to watch you – example makes a wonderful teacher.

Diet – It is impossible to monitor what your children eat all day, but teach them the                       importance of a healthy diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks like nuts,  cheese, and yogurt, and nourishing, balanced meals will contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Limit soda and sugary snacks to special occasions; encourage your children to drink water.

Rest – A healthy mouth goes hand in hand with a healthy body so make sure you and your family are getting sufficient rest and exercise. A stressful lifestyle often will manifest itself in the form of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Children suffer from stress as well as adults so make sure you keep the lines of communication open to know if your child is dealing with problems that might lead to oral health issues.

Educate – Make sure everyone in your family knows the dangers of tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use. Teach by example. Let your children know that these things are a major cause of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss.

Permanent teeth must last a lifetime so do everything you can to nourish and protect them. Contact us at Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry for more tips!