If you have a young child, you’re probably concerned about the best ways to protect their oral health. Here, we’ll provide some tips to help strengthen your kiddo’s teeth!
- Buy Fluoride Toothpaste
- Provide a Balanced Diet
- Teach Good Oral Health Habits
Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day is vital for strengthening teeth, especially for children. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that absorbs into tooth enamel to strengthen developing teeth and to fortify erupted teeth. During the remineralization process, teeth require fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus to strengthen their crystalline mineral structure of enamel. And stronger enamel means less incidence of tooth decay, cavities, and sensitivity!
A balanced diet is beneficial for both your child’s overall wellness and their oral health. Teach them to consume carbohydrate-rich foods and sugary beverages in moderation so they learn how to exercise control. A little treat occasionally is OK, but chronic consumption of sugary foods and beverages feeds the bad bacteria in their mouth. When this bacteria thrives, plaque accumulates along the surface of teeth and gums, causing decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Expose your child to a wide variety of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, fish, and dairy products (as allergies and intolerances allow). Remind them to drink plenty of water throughout the day and to chew only sugar-free gum.
Set an example of daily dental hygiene for your family. This means gently brushing your teeth morning and night for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush, in addition to flossing at least once every day. Brushing and flossing are critical for keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy and strong. Keep in mind that children may need assistance with brushing and flossing until they are six years old, and even longer for many kiddos! While children under three only need to use a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste, kids between three and six can use a pea-sized amount. To get your child more excited about oral hygiene, try playing their favorite song while they brush and floss!
Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Appointment!
You can also keep your child’s smile healthy by bringing them in for routine dental checkups and cleanings at Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry. If you have any other questions about how to help your child have superb oral health, or are ready to schedule their next visit, contact our pediatric dental office in San Antonio, TX.
Contact Us