Your teeth play a critical role in the body’s oral and digestive systems. So, without healthy, strong teeth, your body will have difficulty breaking down food into smaller pieces. The health of your teeth also plays an important role in self-esteem and confidence, so it's essential that kids start the process of maintaining healthy teeth as early as possible. When kids neglect their oral health, it may lead to difficulty speaking and eating, as well as health complications in adulthood. Here are a few tips to help your kids have stronger, healthier teeth.

Routine Dental Appointments

One of the easiest yet most important things you can do to ensure your kids have healthy teeth is schedule routine appointments with the dentist. Your child’s dentist will perform dental examinations to check the status and condition of their oral and dental health. Early examinations allow the dentist to identify potential problems, which allows the problem to be treated immediately. You should schedule your child’s first dental exam after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. It is essential that you not wait until they start school or lose their baby teeth. Early appointments allow your children to get comfortable being examined and enables the dentist to check development.

Avoid Giving Sweets

One of the first things kids often learn when it comes to good oral health is that sweets should be avoided. As a parent, there are several things you can do, even for infants and babies, to reduce the number of sweets they consume. For example, juice should not be used in bottles, especially when kids are going to sleep. Natural sugars in the juice will attach to the enamel of their teeth, which leads to bacteria and tooth decay. Desserts and candies can significantly affect the health of teeth and the stickier candies are the worse they are for teeth. Limiting sodas, juice, candy and other sugary foods will keep kids' teeth strong and healthy.

Encourage Healthy Eating

Teeth, like bones, need calcium to be strong inside and out. Encourage kids to eat foods that are rich in calcium, such as milk, eggs and cheese. Protein-rich foods, such as chicken and green vegetables are beneficial as well. Nutrition plays an essential role in the health of your child's teeth, gums and mouth. Snacking on nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables instead of sugary items and processed foods will go a long way in ensuring your children have strong teeth and good oral health.

Brushing and Flossing

Just like adults, it's essential that children brush their teeth twice each day with fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to teach kids at an early age how to floss. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste will not only help to prevent cavities, but it will keep breath fresh and teeth white. Even before children cut their first tooth, it is crucial to keep their gums and mouth clean by using a wet washcloth to gently clean gums.

By encouraging kids to eat healthy, brush regularly and visit the dentist for routine exams, you can help your children have strong, healthy teeth and gums throughout adulthood. The earlier good dental habits are started, the better it will be for kids to have stronger teeth. In addition, it can reduce the risk of many health issues, such as cardiac problems, in adulthood.

To schedule your children’s dental examination and cleaning, contact Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.