But it takes more than dental visits to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. When your child is very young, you will be teaching and monitoring their daily teeth cleaning habits. Brushing at least twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste will help limit plaque buildup, and daily flossing will remove food debris their toothbrush missed.
When your child gets a little older, you might be tempted to trust that they are brushing and flossing like they did when you were watching over them; but regular reminders will be important for their dental health.
The foods and beverages your child consumes are important; fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal snacks, but your child will want cookies, candy, chips, and soft drinks. But while the occasional sweet treat is allowed, a regular diet of sugary foods and beverages can be very damaging to oral health.
Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks on hand … nuts, popcorn, yogurt, cheese, fruit, and vegetables; water is the perfect beverage … infuse with fruit or add a sugar free flavoring for variety.
Cavities seem more prevalent in children; that is because their teeth are still growing and are more susceptible to decay formation. But there are preventative measures available such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Your family dentist can provide these options to help strengthen dental enamel and help block decay on teeth not already impacted by a cavity.
In addition to diet, daily hygiene care, and regular dental visits children will benefit from adequate sleep and regular exercise. Set a good example by not using tobacco, illicit drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Your child’s permanent teeth are needed to help them chew, speak properly, and smile with self-confidence throughout their lifetime. Do all you can to help them keep their teeth and gums healthy and looking great … they will appreciate your efforts.
Call us at the office of Dr. Kozlow today to schedule a cleaning!