Healthy teeth are an important step to your child’s overall health. Helping your kid establish good dental habits will promote a healthy immune system as they grow older! At Kids Care, we are fanatical about creating a lifetime of happy smiles, so we’ve developed some of our best tips and tricks to help your kids maintain good oral hygiene at home.
Establish a Healthy Routine:
We recommend establishing a healthy oral hygiene routine for your kids as early as possible. This includes brushing twice a day, for at least two minutes, and flossing at least once a day. This removes bacteria, prevents cavities and promotes gum health. Make sure your kids are being thorough in their routine and moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to inflammation of the gums. If your child is older, rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash throughout the day can also help prevent the build-up of plaque in the mouth. Brushing the tongue also helps to dispel any bacteria that may be lingering.
Diet Matters:
Eating habits are just as important to your kid’s dental health as their hygiene routine! Avoid excessive snacking, a habit that is easy to fall into while at home. Avoiding sugary foods will help to keep your children’s teeth in good shape by preventing cavities. If your child does have a sweet treat (and let’s be honest, they will!) make sure to have them brush their teeth afterward. Be careful to avoid foods that can crack your kid’s teeth like popcorn, brittle and sticky candy. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is key to keeping up good dental hygiene!
Habits such as chewing on ice, pen caps, or fingernails can be detrimental to your children’s teeth as well. Make sure to help your kids kick these habits early.
Keep their toothbrush clean:
Toothbrushes are very sensitive when it comes to transmitting viruses. Keeping them clean will help to prevent the spread of any bacteria that may be living in the bristles. Storing it upright when you are done using it in a cup or toothbrush holder will keep it away from other toothbrushes and help to keep it sanitary.
A healthy and clean mouth helps the body to fight off any intruders. Make thorough dental hygiene a permanent part of your kid’s daily routine and give them the best chance at a healthy immune system.
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