Without routine care and good oral hygiene, children and teens could be susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, among other oral health concerns. However, a few routine steps in their day-to-day life could help protect their smiles. What can your Dallas, TX, dentist, and you, do to help your kids enjoy healthy summer smiles?
Better Snack and Beverage Options
Often summer break means late nights playing games with friends, or sleepovers and get-togethers. While fun, kids typically subsist mainly on processed foods and sugary snacks and drinks. An increase in sugary foods and drinks could mean an increased risk of tooth decay. Stock your house with healthier snack options, such as nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt, or cheeses. Also, encourage your children to drink more water, instead of sodas, sports drinks, or emergency drinks, which could promote tooth decay. A healthier diet protects their smiles, and also instills good eating habit that can improve heart health later in life.
Brushing and Flossing (Correctly)
If your kids can brush and floss in 30 seconds or less, they’re not doing so properly. Brushing and flossing helps safeguard smiles against cavities and gingivitis, so long as it’s done correctly. Your kids need to brush their teeth, using a toothpaste with fluoride, for two minutes in the morning and again before going to bed. Flossing, which remove the bits of food a toothbrush cannot, needs to be done before bed and should include moving the floss tape up and down the length of each side of every tooth.
Checkups and Cleanings
Be sure to bring your children in for routine checkups and cleanings, which enables our team to monitor their oral health and ensure they’re ready to greet the new school year with a healthy, happy smile. During the checkup, we will watch for signs of trouble, and may recommend treatment to address issues before they grow more severe. A cleaning means removing the plaque buildup from the teeth, a process that helps boost oral health and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Kids with cleanings also leave with fresh breath and a brighter smile. If you have any questions about protecting your children’s smiles during the summer months, then please contact our team today. We’re also ready to schedule a visit for your little ones at your convenience.
Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?
We want to make sure your little ones, and not so little ones, enjoy healthy smiles all summer long. For more information on our approach to children’s dentistry and preventive dental care, schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
