Hurray! It’s a new year! You would have probably outlined some plans and resolutions for the year. However, we have an extra you can include on your list, and that’s improving your kid’s oral health. Oral health is a crucial part of young children’s overall wellbeing, which is why teaching kids about important oral hygiene practices and smile-friendly diet habits is key. Also, assisting them in caring for their teeth and gums early is a big plus in providing them with good dental health. Our pediatric dentist is here to lend a hand by sharing seven ways you can improve your kids’ smiles.

Have Them Brush Twice Daily

Ensure your kids brush their teeth at least twice daily using the right-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing regularly helps get rid of germs and plaque present in the teeth. It limits the chances of them having cavities and gum disease.

Have your children brush with the proper techniques and supervise their brushing till you’re assured they’re doing it excellently. In addition to brushing in the morning and night, make sure it’s done for two minutes.

Apply Fluoride Toothpaste

No matter what type of toothpaste you select, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride sticks to the teeth, making your child’s teeth impervious to cavities caused by plaque. Fluoride functions effectively by fighting germs that can result in tooth decay and serves as a protective barrier for your child’s teeth.

You can make use of a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, similar to the size of a grain of rice for your baby’s teeth. When they attain age three, increase the smear to a pea-size amount. Children of older ages can apply a small ribbon-sized portion of toothpaste across their toothbrushes.

Furthermore, if you’re not sure your kids are getting the right amount of fluoride, you can opt for a topical fluoride treatment at the dentist. Communicate with your pediatrician about fluoride supplements.

Floss Once A Day

Flossing removes plaque embedded between the teeth and under the gum line from places that a toothbrush is unable to reach. One of the primary causes of tooth decay in children is the build-up of plaque due to the lack of sufficient brushing and flossing.

Flossing can be done at any time; however, getting it done at night before brushing will discard all food debris and plaques that are trapped in the teeth. In addition, flossing helps to prevent bad breath in children. So incorporate flossing into the daily routine of your kids.

Provide Them With A Healthy Diet

Providing your kids with healthy foods that contain lean proteins; fibrous, fresh fruits and vegetables; healthy fats; and enough calcium helps in strengthening their dental health. A diet containing a high proportion of sugar and starch is harmful to the teeth because the bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid that damages the tooth enamel. In the end, holes and cavities form in the teeth.

Some beverages such as soda and sports drinks are high in sugar and acidic content, which is harmful to young children, so avoid them to a feasible extent. Finally, give your kids enough water and let it be their main drink. It keeps them hydrated, and kids can acquire necessary fluoride from tap water.

Ensure They Rinse Their Mouth After Eating

Kids rarely take breaks from eating, but we can’t have them brush their teeth after every meal or snack (except for those undergoing braces treatment). However, ensuring they rinse their mouth with water after eating is a great way of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Mouth rinse after meals washes away food debris and bacteria, keeping the mouth fresh. Moreover, it stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps moisturize children’s teeth.

Don’t Ignore Dental Treatments On Baby Teeth

Parents always question why babies need fillings, white crowns, or other restorative treatments when they are yet to develop permanent teeth. Primarily, if a dental cavity is apparent in a baby’s teeth and left untreated, it will keep growing and ultimately yield infections and affect the underlying permanent teeth.

The best means to stop tooth loss, extractions, white crowns, baby root canals, and dental space maintainers entirely is to seek immediate dental treatments for babies with cavities. If a cavity is detected and treated early, it can stop early decay in a baby’s teeth.

Visit Your Pediatric Dentist Regularly

Your child’s dental health is secured when you keep regular visits with the dentist. Regular dental checkups with your pediatric dentist give your child the perfect oral health care. We help check for cavities, observe their teeth and gums ensuring they are healthy and assess their oral habits. During the regular examination, dental issues are easily spotted and treated before they become full-blown.

Enhance your child’s oral health in 2022 with these seven practices. If you need a pediatric dentist in Statesville, schedule an appointment at Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry. Our team of dental experts will work hand-in-hand with you to help your kid achieve a lifelong strong and healthy smile.