As summer comes to an end and the school year is beginning, it’s time to start thinking about a healthy back-to-school routine for your child. Taking care of your child’s teeth is an important part of this routine, as research shows that poor oral health can lead to missed school and lower grades. In fact, poor oral health continues to be the most chronic disease found among children.
In today’s post, we’re going to discuss eight easy ways you can set your child up for success by helping them take care of their teeth. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, be sure to visit Coventry Dental Care to speak with a dentist in Stratford!
CARING FOR YOUR CHILD’S TEETH DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
1. See the Dentist
First and foremost, it’s important to schedule regular family and children dentistry appointments throughout the year. A check-up before school has started will ensure a healthy start to the year, and periodic check-ins can keep their teeth looking and feeling great throughout the rest of the year.
If you haven’t done so already, set up your child’s next dental check-up at Coventry Dental Care!
2. Establish Healthy Habits
Healthy brushing habits are essential for people of any age, but it’s particularly important for children to develop consistent and thorough brushing habits while they’re young. Model good brushing habits for your child and reward them for brushing consistently.
3. Don’t Eat After Brushing Teeth
This is especially important before bedtime, as salivary flow decreases during sleep and teeth become more vulnerable to cavities. If your child needs to eat before bedtime, make sure that they brush their teeth thoroughly after their snack.
4. Use Toothpaste With Fluoride
Kids over the age of three can use fluoride toothpaste. If your child eats the toothpaste or is unable to spit it out, use an amount approximately the size of a rice grain. Once your child is able to spit, gradually increase to a pea-sized amount. 5. Eat Nutritious Foods
Tooth-friendly snacks include fruit, string cheese, vegetables, unsweetened applesauce, and nuts. Avoid sticky foods such as candy, artificially sweetened fruit snacks, and granola bars. These foods stick to teeth and cause decay.
6. Take Breaks
Give your child time between snacks so that their saliva can neutralize acids and reduce the risk of decay.
7. Drink Water
Choose water for your child instead of drinks sweetened with sugar. If your child wants a sweeter drink, try adding fresh sliced fruit like lemons or strawberries.
8. Ask About Sealants
Dental sealants can also protect your children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants, which are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, act as a shield between teeth and harmful bacteria.
Finally, make sure your child visits Coventry Dental Care approximately every six months for a checkup and routine cleaning. Call or contact our children’s dentistry experts using the form below to schedule their next dental check-up!
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