While most parents expect their child to have a cavity or two, this doesn’t have to be the case. Cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems are almost always preventable. As dental professionals, we don’t take oral health lightly, and parents shouldn’t either! It’s more common to take overall health more seriously than oral health, but what if we told you that one affects the other? Oral health problems in children can lead to poor digestive health, nutrient deficiencies, and low self-esteem.
We know that you want the best for your little one. That includes helping her achieve optimal oral health so that the rest of her body doesn’t suffer the consequences. In this blog, our children’s dentist offers three tips to help your child gain and maintain a healthy smile.
1. Begin brushing and flossing as early as possible
Parents should clean their children’s mouths long before they develop their first tooth. Milk and other substances can damage a baby’s gum tissue and increase the risk of gum disease. To clean the gums, simply wet a soft cloth and wipe the front, back, and top of your baby’s gums.
When the first tooth develops, buy a finger brush or use a damp washcloth to remove any residue, plaque, and bacteria. Be very gentle and don’t use a toothpaste unless recommended by your children’s dentist. Once the second tooth develops, use floss to clean between the teeth.
As your child gets older (usually by age three), he or she will graduate to a regular, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste. Children typically need assistance with brushing and flossing until age six.
2. Offer healthy meals and snacks
One of the most important, and often most overlooked, aspects of oral health care is eating healthy foods. Children love snacks like crackers, dried fruit, gummies, and juice. Unfortunately, these usually contain loads of sugar and carbs that contribute to cavities and gum disease.
What our children eat is just as important for their oral health as it is for their overall health. To maintain a healthy microbiome, children should consume diets that contain these vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium helps build strong bones which provide structural support to the teeth and gums. It also hardens dental enamel.
- Potassium strengthens bone density and removes acidity from the blood which would otherwise inhibit calcium production.
- Vitamin D assists the body in absorbing calcium.
- Vitamin C protects against gum disease and prevents teeth from loosening.
- Vitamin A prevents dry mouth and promotes healing.
Here are some of our favorite mouth- and kid-friendly snacks:
- Greek yogurt
- Milk
- String cheese
- Avocados
- Fruit and veggie smoothie
- Cantaloupe
- Apples and peanut butter
Additionally, children should drink plenty of water throughout the day to clean the mouth of food particles and sugars and promote the production of saliva.
3. Find a kid-friendly children’s dentist near you
An experienced, compassionate, and friendly children’s dentist is a parent’s best resource for kids’ oral health. Children’s dentists help parents navigate the first years of oral health care, answer their questions, and give tips for teaching children how to care for their teeth and gums.
Finding the right kids’ dentist is essential to creating a healthy relationship between your child and his or her oral health. Choose a dentist with years of experience working with children, great patient reviews, and who is conveniently located.
Our Woolgoolga Children’s Dentist
At Magic Smiles, our dental team ensures every child that walks into our office feels comfortable and cared for. Our children’s dentist offers preventative treatments to ensure your little one achieves optimal oral health.
To schedule an initial consultation at our dental practice, call (02) 6654-0650 today.
