Every parent or caretaker wants to see their children grow up with beautiful smiles they can be proud of. With February being Children’s Dental Health Month, there has never been a better time to start helping your child prioritize their oral health. You may have been fortunate enough to grow up being taught good oral hygiene habits, but even if that wasn’t the case, you have the opportunity to give your child the gift of learning how to care for their teeth at an early age. Your Chesterton children’s dentist has some great tips to share that can help you set your child’s smile up for success now.
Tips to Help You Promote Your Child’s Oral Health
When you meet an adult with a beautiful smile, it’s likely that they started taking care of it early on. Just like any other life practice, healthy teeth and gums start with developing good oral hygiene habits as a child. Here’s how you can help start your child off down the right path to a beautiful set of pearly whites for years to come:
Take Your Child to the Dentist Regularly
Teaching your child the importance of seeing their dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is one of the most important things you can do for their oral health. Every time they go in for a regular checkup, their dentist checks their mouth and throat for any signs of oral cancer. They also perform x-rays to ensure that your child’s gums and jaw are healthy. Teaching your child to prioritize preventive dental care can save them from serious issues later on in life.
Include Fruits and Vegetables in Their Diet
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and nutrients that help your child’s teeth to stay strong and keep their gums healthy. In fact, some actually have such high fiber contents that they help to clean their teeth while they eat them. Two great examples of these are apples and celery! If your child won’t eat them alone, try adding a little peanut butter with no added sugar into the mix.
Make Sure They Know the Importance of Flossing and Brushing
By far the best and simplest way to promote your child’s oral health is to instill in them a devotion to brush and floss their teeth every day. Not only do these simple practices help prevent cavities by removing plaque, but they also protect the gums against bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Limit Their Sugar Intake
At some point in their life, you won’t have any control over what your child eats, which is why it’s crucial to teach them good eating habits now that they can carry into adulthood. The more sugar they consume, the higher the risk is for tooth decay. Offer them fruit or sugar-free treats when their sweet tooth gets the best of them.
Your children will learn by your example, so be sure to set one that communicates the importance of oral health and sets them up for beautiful smiles for years to come.
About the Practice
Dr. Danny Hayes and Dr. Stephen Koveck understand the importance of teaching children about good oral hygiene at a young age. From children to seniors, they conveniently treat patients of all ages. It is their number one priority to make sure that everyone they care for feels listened to and comfortable at their practice. Their years of extensive training and education give them the knowledge and skills they need to provide the highest quality of treatment. Are you ready to schedule your child’s next dental checkup? Request an appointment online or call (219) 926-7595.