How Can You Help Your Children In Developing And Maintaining Healthy Smile

Steps to help your children in developing and maintaining healthy smiles are as follows:

By encouraging daily oral healthcare habits: for preventing gum diseases and cavities, it is very important to remove plaque and food which may remain in the mouth. One should teach their children to brush their teeth a minimum of two times a day or two minutes each time and floss daily in order to clean areas which a toothbrush cannot reach.

You need to ensure that your child uses a soft bristle toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste which has fluoride, which can help in preventing cavities. You should change their toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months to ensure its effectiveness in removing as much plaque and food as possible.

They must visit the dentist regularly: just like adults, children should also see a dentist at least once in a year for cleaning and check up, and it can preferably be two times in a year. Cleaning professionally will help in removing stains and tartar that flossing and brushing alone cannot provide. In addition to this, the hygienist and dentist would show your child the best way to brush and floss. Dentists will also examine how the child's teeth are and detect and treat if any cavity or other oral problems exist.

Serving them healthy food: starches and sugars cause bacteria and produce an acid which eats away at a tooth surface. This often leads to cavities. You have to help your child in avoiding starchy and sugary snacks by providing smile – friendly alternatives like cheese, fruits, veggies, low sugar yoghurt.

A balanced diet of vegetables and fruits, lean protein, dairy products and whole grains which have nutrients which are needed for a healthy smile and body should be included.

Keeping your child hydrated: for sugary drinks, sugar soda and juices, water is the best alternative. It helps in keeping the mouth clean, and prevents cavities causing dry mouth. The consumption of tap water will also help in protecting against cavities in another way, as a majority of communities and cavity-fighting fluoride into their water supplies.

Purchase a mouthguard for them: playing sports like football, wrestling, hockey and basketball can put your child's health at risk for lost and cracked teeth. It can also cause crowns and root damage. You can help them by protecting them against mouth injuries by purchasing a good mouth guard, or you can get one from dentist Ellicott City also. A mouthguard has to be worn for any activity which has the potential for mouth injuries including biking, skateboarding and gymnastics.

6. Speak to them about tobacco: since a vast number of smokers try their first cigarette at the age of 18, it is a better idea to start warning your children about the dangers and the homes which are caused by tobacco as early as the age of five and keep the conversation going throughout their childhood journey. Since tobacco is bad for the overall health, it is also very dangerous to oral health as it can cause damage to the gums and teeth.