Parents play an active role in making sure their children are brushing teeth regularly and have regular checkups at the dentist. The parent should be aware of the treatments available for any problems and ask questions of the dentist. Kids can eventually assume maintenance of their teeth by understanding the importance of keeping them clean.
Brush and Floss
Brush teeth twice a day and floss every day. A parent can help a child in the proper ways of brushing until the child understands. Children are usually wise enough to brush by themselves by age 6. Get a brush with soft, rounded bristles, put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and make circular strokes on all surfaces of the teeth, Dentistry.com advises. Spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water to make sure no paste is swallowed. Flossing cleans between teeth to get rid of any excess particles. It prevents bacteria from producing cavities in areas the brush can’t reach.
Fight Bacteria
Clean up those sugary leftovers from candy, cookies and other sweets. Brushing your teeth after eating treats cleans sugar from teeth and keeps food particles out so bacteria can’t grow on them and cause decay. The bacteria turn leftover food into acid that helps rot the teeth and results in cavities, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Guard Your Teeth
Use your teeth for eating. Don’t use them to crack open nuts or open packages. Those jobs are for the hands and appliances. Teeth need to be protected. Wear mouth guards when playing sports. Don’t get any piercings in your mouth. They can chip, break and ruin your teeth.
Know Your Dentist
Visit your dentist regularly. Children should start getting used to the dentist around age 1. Check-ups twice a year are good for kids. Your dentist will get to know your teeth and better understand how to protect them. If you have any early problems popping up, they can be taken care of early to save your teeth as you age. Professional cleanings by a hygienist are also recommended twice a year.
Fluoride Helps
Fluoride is in most toothpaste products because it hardens the tooth enamel to make teeth strong, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes. Tap water has fluoride in most areas. If your city does not have fluoridated water or you are not drinking enough water from the tap, you can get fluoride tablets with a dentist’s prescription.
Snack Right
Try to avoid sweets and sticky snacks. But if you do have them, brush as soon as possible to prevent decay. When eating snacks, go for tasty fresh fruits, carrots, celery and other delicious veggies, and cheese and crackers.
About this Author
Jerry Shaw has spent more than 35 years in newspapers, magazines and book publishing. He has written on a variety of topics for various websites, magazines and newspapers, including “Florida Today,” “Daytona Beach News-Journal” and “Today in PT,” an online magazine for physical therapists. He lives in Florida.
