How to Make Sure Your Child Has Healthy Teeth—and a Bright Smile

Childhood cavities and tooth decay (also known as “caries”) are a chronic health condition. In order to avoid caries, we recommend healthy snacking—eating fruits and vegetables—and drinking milk and water instead of juice and soda. However, most of us, kids included, want to enjoy a sweet treat now and again. Aim for chocolate over sticky [...] The post How to Make Sure Your Child Has Healthy Teeth—and a Bright Smile appeared first on Doyle Dental.

Childhood cavities and tooth decay (also known as “caries”) are a chronic health condition. In order to avoid caries, we recommend healthy snacking—eating fruits and vegetables—and drinking milk and water instead of juice and soda.

However, most of us, kids included, want to enjoy a sweet treat now and again. Aim for chocolate over sticky snacks—fruit roll ups, jelly beans, even raisins will get stuck in the grooves of your teeth. It is best eat a snack or dessert immediately after a meal to limit the amount of exposure your child’s teeth to sugars from the snacks.

Some parents don’t worry about childhood cavities, arguing that “they’re only baby teeth, they’re going to fall out anyways.” That’s true, they are only baby teeth, however, those baby teeth act to hold a space for your child’s adult teeth to come into. And if you allow your child’s tooth/teeth to decay, it could affect your child’s adult teeth.

A few other key tips to keep your child’s mouth healthy:
1. Good oral hygiene: Brush 2 times a day (after meals if possible), and floss between teeth that are touching.
2. Visit the dentist every 6 months so that your child’s teeth can be assessed and treated, if necessary.
3. Fluoride supplement (your child’s dentist/pediatrician can write a prescription for it).

The post How to Make Sure Your Child Has Healthy Teeth—and a Bright Smile appeared first on Doyle Dental.