7 Easy Tips For Keeping Kid’s Teeth Healthy

Dental health in kids is a must, and there is no better time to instill a healthy routine, then when they are young. Teaching your children to have strong oral care will help set them up for success over years to come. Cavity free is the ultimate goal for parents, this is best for the kid’s and of course the parents as well.

 

Having 3 kids of my own, I have brushed and flossed a mouth or two.  We always start good dental habits as soon as the kids are very small by wiping their gums with a damp cloth and working our way up to tiny toothbrushes and toddler toothpaste once their teeth come in.  But the time they are a little over a year old, they’re brushing on their own with mom and dad supervising and doing a little brushing, too!

My kids have always had glowing dental reports during their dental exams that I contribute to starting good habits early!

It is so important to have a healthy dental routine with your kids, so today I’m sharing my best tips for keeping your kiddo’s teeth clean. It may be a little hard at times, but in the end, having a good routine in place is worth it. If you don’t take good care of your kid’s teeth early on, it will set them up to lots of problems down the road. That’s something we all want to avoid!

Dental Health In Kids

The first two years of your child’s life will set the foundation for your child’s permanent teeth that will come in later. So if you do not brush teeth regularly and feed a poor diet, it can lead to tooth decay later on in your child’s life. When I learned that I was amazed. You might think the baby teeth fall out so it shouldn’t matter, but research shows that inadequate dental care even in the first few years can be detrimental in dental health.

What Should You Do For Dental Health In Kids

• Visit the dentist two times a year.
• Brush teeth two times a day.
• Serve a healthy diet.
• Avoid sugary foods when you can.

7 Tips for Keeping Kids Teeth Healthy

Make It Fun

The biggest thing I recommend is making brushing teeth fun. You can buy toothbrushes that light up, are colorful and fun, and some that even play music. Also, consider singing a song while they brush, or make it fun however you can think. When your child feels they are having fun, they won’t fuss or cry because it is time to brush their teeth.

 Role Model

Anything mom or dad do, your child is sure to want to join in. When you go to brush teeth, brush yours with them. Or do your teeth first and then follow by brushing their teeth. Show them the right amount of toothpaste they need, how to move the brush around their mouth, and so on. When they watch you care for your teeth the same way you are teaching them, they will learn it is something everyone does.

Sticker System

One thing you can do if you have a child who struggles with brushing their teeth. Create a spreadsheet that has a spot where you can put a sticker once they complete brushing their teeth. Once they get so many stickers, they get a reward. Whether it be a small toy, a morning at the park, etc. Think up some items that will help intrigue your child into wanting to brush their teeth.

Vitamin-Rich Diet

Serve a vitamin-rich diet, so your child gets the nutrients they need for their teeth and body. Cheese, nuts, and even greens are great ones to add into your child’s diet so they can grow big and strong. Try to limit the sugar intake that can weaken the teeth and lead to cavities and decay later on.

Sit Down To Brush

If you have a younger child who requires help when brushing, have them sit down when you go to brush their teeth. This will ensure they hold still a lot better than standing and wiggling about.

No Food Or Sugary Drinks At Bedtime

Try not to give food right before bed or even items like milk or juice. They contain sugars that can hurt your child’s teeth through the night. You can offer water but nothing else.

Schedule A Checkup

As a parent make sure you follow through and set up an appointment to get your child’s teeth looked over at the dentist. You are in charge, and being proactive and taking them in for checkups and cleaning will be great prevention for the future.

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Did You Know…

Recent U.S. data show that 1 in 6 preschool-age children has experienced at least one cavity, and many Americans aren’t fully aware of the steps they can take at home to keep themselves or their kids cavity-free. In fact, a recent UnitedHealthcare survey found that just 31 percent of Americans correctly recognized that most medical professionals recommend children should visit the dentist for the first time by age one.

Supporting parents’ efforts at home can help keep kids healthier and avoid the discomfort, anxiety, and cost that can come from treatment to repair decayed teeth. Young children with advanced tooth decay are typically treated under general anesthesia. This kind of treatment is also costly. For example, at Colorado’s largest children’s hospital, an estimated $40 million was spent in a single year on treating early childhood cavities.

“Tooth decay can be painful, and it also makes it difficult for children to eat, sleep, learn and socialize,” said Booth. “The good news is that it is a preventable disease. That’s why we’re partnering with UnitedHealthcare on these PSAs to help support families in encouraging important oral health habits, starting at birth and continuing through adulthood.”

“Maintaining proper oral health matters more than just keeping a sparkling smile — it’s also important for good overall health, especially for children,” said Tom Wiffler, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits. “We are collaborating with the Children’s Dental Health Project to share this important information about ways to help children, parents and all Americans adopt healthier oral habits.”

EndCavities.org website that offers videos, fact sheets and other helpful resources for educating families and policymakers. #dentalhealthforkids

Teaching your children to have strong oral care will help set them up for success over years to come. Implementing these 7 Easy Tips For Keeping Kid’s Teeth Healthy into your child’s day will help!