By the time children go to Elementary School, they are probably beginning to brush their teeth independently but still require supervision to ensure they do it properly. Getting kids into a good oral care routine now is extremely important, and they can also start to learn why taking care of their teeth and gums is vital for a healthy smile in Bowmanville. Their permanent adult teeth are erupting at this age, and good dental care and healthy oral habits will help ensure they can last for life. Below are some easy tips to help protect your child’s precious pearly whites.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a very useful mineral that helps to harden tooth enamel and increases its resistance to decay. Using fluoridated dental products helps to prevent cavities. Children should be brushing their teeth from around age six with a small, pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste unless our dentist in Newcastle advises otherwise. Ensuring they spit out the excess toothpaste and don’t swallow is important. After brushing, your child should not rinse their mouth with water, as this ensures a thin layer of toothpaste will remain coating their teeth for a bit longer.
Ensure They Brush Their Teeth Twice a Day
Everyone, including children, should brush their teeth twice daily. Ensure your child has an appropriately sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a small enough head to fit comfortably right to the back of the mouth. Children need an adult to help them brush their teeth properly until aged seven or eight. When we see your kid for regular dental checkups and cleans at West Bowmanville Family Dental, we can teach them how to brush their teeth correctly so they can learn the right brushing techniques.
Provide Plain Water, Not Fruit Juice
The best beverage for rehydration is plain water, which goes for everyone, not just children. However, fruit juice is often marketed as a healthy drink for parents to give their kids, but it can be packed full of hidden sugars. Encouraging your child to eat the whole fruit is far better as it also contains beneficial fibre. Other sweet drinks best avoided include soft drinks, diet soft drinks, and energy drinks. These beverages are also high in sugars, and diet drinks tend to be very high in acid, which can damage tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities in Clarington.
Limit Sugary Foods
Avoid giving your child too many foods high in sugar, such as cookies, muffins, granola bars and chocolate. Sticky, sugary foods, including granola bars and fruit leather, are particularly bad for teeth. When your child does have these foods, encourage them to swish their mouth with water afterward to help remove loose particles and reduce acidity in the mouth, and get them to clean their teeth half an hour later. The reason for waiting is so that acidity levels begin to normalize. Higher acidity levels weaken tooth enamel, making it more likely to be damaged when brushing teeth. Waiting gives tooth enamel time to re-harden as the mouth returns to a more neutral pH.
Wear a Sports Mouthguard
Many children love playing sports, and if your kid is keen on sporting activities, especially where there is a risk of injury to their face, ensure they are fitted with a sports mouthguard in Courtice. We can provide custom-made mouthguards that give maximum protection and are well fitting and comfortable.
Book Regular Dental Checkups
Lastly, bring your child for regular dental checkups and cleans. Good preventive dentistry is the easiest way to ensure your child grows up with a healthy, beautiful smile and goes a long way to preventing common issues like gum disease and tooth decay.