Get Up-To-Date with Dental Check-Ups
The holidays are just about here and this is the time to make sure your child enjoys a happy and tooth friendly time and healthy habits. Have they complained recently about any tooth sensitivity or pain? If so they might have a cavity or other problem that requires attention, and we strongly suggest they see one of our good pediatric dentists, NJ before the holidays really get underway and before it can develop into a dental emergency. If they are overdue for a checkup, we may still be able to fit them in so give us a call as soon as you can to arrange an appointment or to book a dental exam before they go back to school.
Do They Really Need a New Toothbrush?
The season to celebrate can lead to normal routines going out of the window, and that can include healthy habits routine. It is worth just checking your child remembers to brush twice daily and flossing once a day is even more important with all the sugary and sticky foods that are traditionally enjoyed at this time of year. Make sure your child has everything they need to keep their teeth sparkling clean and provide them with good quality fluoride toothpaste that has received a seal of approval from the American Dental Association. Replace their old toothbrush if necessary, or even treat them to an electric toothbrush to encourage them to clean their teeth.
Younger children will need supervision when brushing and flossing and you may need to floss your child’s teeth until they develop enough dexterity to do it on their own. Make sure they have a dental floss that will slip comfortably in between their teeth and it is possible they will need a different brand or type from you.
Include Sweet Treats as Part of Kids Main Meal
This time of year it is highly likely your kid will be eating a greater quantity of sticky, sweet foods, or other snacks such as chips and pretzels that have the ability to stay on teeth for hours (Read also: Truth About Candy). It is not realistic to expect them not to eat these foods, but by including them as part of a main meal you can help to minimize the damage to their teeth. This is because their teeth will be bathed in acids produced by mouth bacteria for a shorter period of time. If you want them to brush their teeth after eating, just wait half an hour to an hour for acid levels to normalize as their tooth enamel will be harder and less easily damaged by brushing.
Choose Cheese for Healthy Teeth
Cheese makes a great snack that most kids enjoy. Monterey Jack, cheddar, Swiss cheese and mozzarella all taste great and are a good way to end a meal with these kinds of healthy habits. This is because cheese helps to neutralize acids that attack and soften tooth enamel and calcium helps build healthy teeth, bones and healthy habits.
Healthy Habits: Smarter Drink Choices
Sweetened and carbonated drinks can erode young teeth. One of healthy dental habits is drinking them through a straw will help minimize contact with teeth and encourage your kid not to sip them slowly. Afterwards try to get them to rinse with plain water, or preferably to switch to drinking water.
