Kids and Dental Health
All parents know that getting their kids to do things that are good for them can be, pardon the pun, like pulling teeth. But parents in New Jersey also know that making things fun can often be the key. Good oral health is a vital part of keeping your kids healthy. According to the website of the Mayo Clinic, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can build up and lead to oral infections. Additionally, the bacteria that grows inside the mouth can be a contributor in other diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. The time is now to get your kids on a good routine of oral hygiene that includes brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular checkups. Teaching children how to maintain optimal oral health will benefit them for the rest of their lives. It's also a great way to save yourself the headaches and dental bills in their teen years that can accompany poor dental care.
Fun and facts
The first step to getting kids on a healthy routine of good oral hygiene is to teach them about the bacteria and plaque that can build up in their mouths, as well as the consequences of not following a good oral hygiene routine. But don't fret. This doesn't have to bore or even frighten them. The fact is that fun is what kids live for, and if you make a routine of good oral hygiene fun for them, they won't resist doing all the things that are necessary to keep their mouths healthy.
Make brushing into a fun activity by creating games and songs that will make them giggle and enjoy brushing. Take your kids shopping for all the stuff that goes into their brushing routines, and let them pick out the brushes and toothpaste they want. There are also books and DVDs that can help kids learn to have fun while they brush. Finally, don't worry about those kids' toothpastes that are flavored, such as bubblegum, cinnamon, and all the other flavors on the market today that are designed to get kids to brush regularly. Many of these contain cavity-fighting ingredients such as fluoride and are recommended by the American Dental Association. The best thing to do, though, is just to ask your kids' dentist for recommendations on the best toothpaste for your children that will be safe for them, fight cavities, and prevent gum disease. A top dentist in New Jersey can steer you to the best toothpastes and toothbrushes that can help your kids to maintain optimal oral health.
Diet
The next step to a healthy mouth is limiting sweets and other foods that can be harmful to teeth and gums. In moderation, these foods shouldn't be harmful to your child's mouth. In excess, however, sugars, processed foods, and starches can cause tooth decay, cavities, and bacteria buildup that will wear enamel, harm gums, and eventually cause gingivitis that can bring with it tooth discoloration as well as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Starting kids on a healthy diet early will aid in giving them lifelong oral health. Additionally, healthy foods that are crunchy, such as apples and carrots, are great for cleaning teeth and getting rid of plaque.
Brushing
Naturally, your child needs to brush regularly in order to keep teeth bright and gums healthy. This needs to start as soon as your child gets that first tooth. Purchase toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for a child's first teeth, as these brushes are gentle enough for babies, and toothpaste designed for babies is free of harsh chemicals that, if swallowed by little ones, can be hazardous. Supervise your kids while they brush their teeth until you're sure they're doing it right and are comfortable doing it on their own. Teach kids to brush all sides of their teeth, and the backs and fronts of all teeth individually. Make sure they get into a routine of brushing twice a day. In addition, toss old brushes about every six months and replace them with brand new ones.
Flossing
Flossing is an important part of every good oral hygiene routine. Brushing alone often can't get food particles out from between teeth, and that's where flossing comes in. Buy floss for your kids that tastes good, such as mint or cinnamon. Additionally, buy the waxed kind so it doesn't hurt little ones' gums. Show them how to wrap floss around their fingers and glide the floss gently in between their teeth. Get them to add flossing to their two or three daily brushing routines, and they'll be in the habit of flossing for life.
Dental visits
Dental visits to a qualified kids' dentist are vital to your child's oral health. Schedule regular visits to a dental office in your New Jersey area with a top dentist who makes your kids feel at ease. Most kids' dentists will give children items such as new toothbrushes to make them feel good about going to the dentist and continuing their regular brushing routines.
Your kids are never too young to start learning about good oral hygiene and the role oral health can play in the overall health of their bodies. Starting your kids now on the road to good oral hygiene through routine brushing, routine flossing, and routine dental visits can start them on the path to good oral health that can last a lifetime.
Fun and facts
The first step to getting kids on a healthy routine of good oral hygiene is to teach them about the bacteria and plaque that can build up in their mouths, as well as the consequences of not following a good oral hygiene routine. But don't fret. This doesn't have to bore or even frighten them. The fact is that fun is what kids live for, and if you make a routine of good oral hygiene fun for them, they won't resist doing all the things that are necessary to keep their mouths healthy.
Make brushing into a fun activity by creating games and songs that will make them giggle and enjoy brushing. Take your kids shopping for all the stuff that goes into their brushing routines, and let them pick out the brushes and toothpaste they want. There are also books and DVDs that can help kids learn to have fun while they brush. Finally, don't worry about those kids' toothpastes that are flavored, such as bubblegum, cinnamon, and all the other flavors on the market today that are designed to get kids to brush regularly. Many of these contain cavity-fighting ingredients such as fluoride and are recommended by the American Dental Association. The best thing to do, though, is just to ask your kids' dentist for recommendations on the best toothpaste for your children that will be safe for them, fight cavities, and prevent gum disease. A top dentist in New Jersey can steer you to the best toothpastes and toothbrushes that can help your kids to maintain optimal oral health.
Diet
The next step to a healthy mouth is limiting sweets and other foods that can be harmful to teeth and gums. In moderation, these foods shouldn't be harmful to your child's mouth. In excess, however, sugars, processed foods, and starches can cause tooth decay, cavities, and bacteria buildup that will wear enamel, harm gums, and eventually cause gingivitis that can bring with it tooth discoloration as well as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Starting kids on a healthy diet early will aid in giving them lifelong oral health. Additionally, healthy foods that are crunchy, such as apples and carrots, are great for cleaning teeth and getting rid of plaque.
Brushing
Naturally, your child needs to brush regularly in order to keep teeth bright and gums healthy. This needs to start as soon as your child gets that first tooth. Purchase toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for a child's first teeth, as these brushes are gentle enough for babies, and toothpaste designed for babies is free of harsh chemicals that, if swallowed by little ones, can be hazardous. Supervise your kids while they brush their teeth until you're sure they're doing it right and are comfortable doing it on their own. Teach kids to brush all sides of their teeth, and the backs and fronts of all teeth individually. Make sure they get into a routine of brushing twice a day. In addition, toss old brushes about every six months and replace them with brand new ones.
Flossing
Flossing is an important part of every good oral hygiene routine. Brushing alone often can't get food particles out from between teeth, and that's where flossing comes in. Buy floss for your kids that tastes good, such as mint or cinnamon. Additionally, buy the waxed kind so it doesn't hurt little ones' gums. Show them how to wrap floss around their fingers and glide the floss gently in between their teeth. Get them to add flossing to their two or three daily brushing routines, and they'll be in the habit of flossing for life.
Dental visits
Dental visits to a qualified kids' dentist are vital to your child's oral health. Schedule regular visits to a dental office in your New Jersey area with a top dentist who makes your kids feel at ease. Most kids' dentists will give children items such as new toothbrushes to make them feel good about going to the dentist and continuing their regular brushing routines.
Your kids are never too young to start learning about good oral hygiene and the role oral health can play in the overall health of their bodies. Starting your kids now on the road to good oral hygiene through routine brushing, routine flossing, and routine dental visits can start them on the path to good oral health that can last a lifetime.