Tips To Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy
Keeping up with your family schedule can be a bit of a roller coaster, but getting your kids to eat right and maintain good oral hygiene should always be a top priority. Here are a few oral health tips that will help you protect your child and their developing teeth from long-term damage and avoidable mishaps.
Keep Up Healthy Oral Habits
No matter how eventful the upcoming months become, supervise their brushing routine twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Whether your child is staying up late to watch fireworks or catch fireflies, resist the temptation to let him/her skip brushing before bedtime or early in the morning.
Parents can find ways to encourage their kids to brush by making it fun. For example, buying a new, cartoon, or Disney-themed toothbrush to replace the old and worn out one sitting in the cup can spice up your child’s oral health routine. Simple things like colorful brushing calendars or setting a timer or playing a song while your child brushes their teeth can help everyone stay on track. It’s recommended that you schedule your child’s appointments every three to six months to ensure all that brushing and flossing is paying off!
Keep Healthy Snacks and Drinks in Stock
It’s common for kids to sip and snack, but prevent an “acid attack” on your child’s teeth by investing in healthy snacks and drinks. It can be hard to limit snacking when the kids are home all day, but with the availability of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, you can stock the fridge with healthy options. Be sure to keep these foods ready to grab and go. You’ll feel better about snacking when the kids are reaching for blueberries and strawberries instead of candy and cookies. Swap out the sugary, acidic soft drinks like soda and Gatorade with bottled water.