Just like you, your children need to maintain optimal oral health to avoid the onset of cavities and gingivitis. Since attending checkups and cleanings aren’t possible for the time being, caring for smiles from home is vital. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about how to help children maintain optimal oral health and avoid tooth decay!
Watch What They Eat
Often, our snack and food choices could increase the risk of cavities. Items high in sugar, like candy, or starchy choices, like chips, could leave behind particles stuck on or between the teeth. As bacteria break down the sugary particles, this increases oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque, which weakens enamel and leads to the onset of cavities. Sugary and acidic beverages like soda, energy drinks, or sports drinks could also be problematic. Instead, consider stocking your home with whole grain crackers, fresh fruits and veggies, low-fat yogurts and cheeses, and nuts. Water also keeps everyone hydrated and contains no harmful sugars or acids!
Brushing and Flossing
Children also benefit from daily care. In the morning and again before bed, your child should brush for two minutes, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. They also need to floss before bed as well. These actions help remove stray food particles and reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis by depriving harmful oral bacteria of a meal. To make the process fun, try to find apps, podcasts, or games aimed at kids, to help time them and make sure they brush and floss thoroughly.
Let Us Know About Toothaches
Our team is still providing emergency dental care for patients in our area, which means if your child damages a tooth, or if a tooth hurts due to cavities or infection, you should let us know. We can identify the causes of these issues and then restore the tooth with a lifelike filling or crown, halting discomfort and protecting smiles from further issues. When you visit our office, we will schedule appointments to ensure you don’t share the waiting room with others. We also thoroughly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces around our waiting room and office to help protect the health and safety of our patients and team members. If you have any question about keeping little smiles strong and healthy from home, then please contact our team today to speak with us.
Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?
We would like to help you and your children continue to enjoy healthy and bright smile from home. For more information on children’s dental care, or to schedule a consultation, call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.