As a parent, you need to do more than care for your teeth—you also need to look after your children’s teeth. Great oral hygiene keeps your family healthy and happy. But how do you encourage better brushing habits?
With these oral health tips, you can make sure every member of the family has a healthy smile:
Find a Family Dentist
Imagine if you needed a different dentist for each member of your family. One day, you’re driving across the city to take your elderly parent to the dentist; the next, you’re driving somewhere else to take your kids. Why not choose a dental practice that can look after everyone?
According to the owner of Kingsway Dental Centre in Edmonton, it’s important to find a dental practice that offers service for the whole family. They write, “We believe in treating our patients like members of our family. That’s why we offer dental care to patients of all ages, from kids to seniors.” You can also check out this avon lake dentist to assist with your dental needs.
Consider Dental Sealants
Even though your kids know it’s important to brush their teeth, they might have trouble cleaning the molars at the back of their mouths. Permanent molars start emerging once your child is 6 or older. It’s important to take care of these teeth; they’re meant to last a lifetime.
A dental sealant is a plastic coating that gets painted on the chewing surface of a molar. It protects the deeper pits of the tooth from food debris and bacteria, reducing the chances of getting a cavity. If your child has trouble brushing their teeth, talk to their dentist about dental sealants.
Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet
You know that some foods are better for your teeth than others. The foods you stock your fridge with will affect the oral health of everyone in your household.
Foods that are high in calcium are great for your teeth; they support a strong bone structure and strengthen your enamel. Try to fill your home with foods like cheese, milk, yogurt, almonds, and dark leafy greens.
Address Dental Anxiety
Does your little one get nervous before their appointment? It’s not unusual to feel some unease before a major dental procedure. But if the thought of a regular cleaning makes you cold with dread, you may be dealing with dental anxiety.
If you or someone in your family deals with this condition, talk to your dentist. Coping with dental anxiety can be tough. But it’s made easier when you have a dentist that can accommodate your anxiety. To ease your stress, you can try the following:
- Bring headphones to an appointment and listen to music
- Use a small toy to keep your hands busy
- Practice deep breathing exercises during the cleaning
Teach Proper Brushing & Flossing Habits
Did you know that brushing too hard is detrimental to your oral health? That’s right: if you apply too much pressure, you can damage the delicate gum tissues in your mouth, causing them to recede away from your teeth. This leads to sensitive teeth and a higher risk of cavities.
Instead, use light pressure as you brush your teeth, and choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. In addition, be sure to swap out your used toothbrush for a new one every 3 or 4 months.
And finally, teach your kids about the importance of flossing. It’s the only way to clean between your teeth!
With these above tips, you can keep your whole family cavity-free. The next time you take a family photo, everyone in it will feel confident about their radiant, healthy smiles.
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