2019 is almost here, and it’s time to share our favorite mouth healthy habits that will help your family achieve oral health in the new year!
1 – Establish and Maintain a Proper Oral Health Routine
Food debris left on your child’s teeth encourages bacteria growth that eats away at enamel and causes cavities. This is why it’s important to have a steady, consistent oral health routine. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children brush twice per day, for two minutes at a time, and floss once per day to clean debris from the hard-to-reach areas of their teeth. A proper oral health routine is the best way to keep a mouth clean, and prevents a lot of oral health ailments.
2 – Drink More Water – Seriously
Water is a fantastic tool in the fight against bad bacteria and tooth decay. Water is not acidic, and does not harm teeth at all. In fact, it improves saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth of debris and restores the mouth back to a healthy ph balance. Try giving your child more water instead of sugary drinks to help keep their teeth strong and healthy. If they must have juice or a sweeter drink, water it down so that they aren’t consuming too much sugar at one time.
3 - Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is critical to getting a healthy mouth. Mouth-healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, nuts and calcium-rich items can all strengthen teeth. When buying fruit and vegetables, make sure that you purchase them in their full-forms, and that you don’t buy fruit packaged in sugary syrup. Try adding fibrous vegetables like celery, spinach or carrots to your child’s diet, since fibrous food naturally scrubs teeth clean of food debris, and combats bad bacteria buildup.
4 - Replace Worn Out Toothbrushes
It can be difficult to know when to replace your child’s old toothbrush with a new one. But, there are some signs that indicate it’s time for a change. If your child’s toothbrush bristles are frayed, or pluming outward, then it’s time for a new toothbrush. If your child recently had an illness, then it’s best to replace their toothbrush to prevent the spread of unhealthy bacteria. Finally, a good rule of thumb to follow is to replace your child’s toothbrush after 3 months of use.
Stay Mouth Healthy Next Year
One of the best ways to keep your children’s oral in order is by scheduling an appointment with our office every six months for a routing oral checkup and cleaning. The holidays are the perfect time for an appointment since most children have an extended break from school.
