Your child’s dental care is essential to their health. However, some parents can have a hard time judging how much dental care their child needs. You know that you need to help your kids prevent cavities, but you might not always know the best way to keep tooth decay at bay.

To help you maintain your child’s dental health, here are seven of the best possible ways you can keep your kids’ teeth in good shape.

1. Find the right dentist. Your first and most important step toward improving your child’s dental health is to find the right childrens dentists. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child see their childrens dentists within their first year. This helps to make sure that their gums and teeth are healthy. Visiting childrens dentists and finding the right one for your family can also help you learn the right techniques for brushing and taking care of your child’s teeth.
2. Opt for water over juice. Fruit juice is an all-time favorite for kids. But it’s important to make sure your kids aren’t drinking too much juice or sports drinks. Not only can the sugar in these drinks cause cavities, but certain sports drinks can also impact your child’s enamel. Researchers found that exposure to energy drinks such as Rockstar, Monster®, and Red Bull® resulted in twice as much enamel loss (3.1%) as exposure to sports drinks such as Powerade®, Gatorade®, and Propel® (1.5%). Your kids can enjoy juice and sports drinks occasionally, but make sure that they’re drinking more water than juice to promote their dental health.
3. Monitor your child’s brushing. It’s easy to assume that your child has their teeth brushing techniques down after you show them how to do it the first few times. However, it’s important to monitor your child’s teeth brushing habits at least until they’re 10 years old. This is because your child can end up brushing too hard, brushing too little, or missing certain areas in their mouth.
4. Make sure to take care of your own teeth. Kids emulate their parents. That means even if you teach your child the importance of dental care, they might not take their dental health seriously if you don’t take your own seriously. Make sure that you’re taking care of your teeth just as well and that your child sees that.
5. Use children’s mouthwash. Children between the ages of six and 12 can begin to use a children’s mouthwash with adult supervision. The only time your kids should be using a children’s mouthwash under the age of six is if it’s recommended by a dentist for children. Your child needs to be able to safely swish the mouthwash and spit it out without swallowing it. Fluoride-free mouthwashes can help to reduce the risk of gingivitis.
6. Reduce how much bread you eat. Whole grains are important both for your health and the health of your kids. You want to limit how much bread and grains you’re eating, though. This is because bacteria love to eat the sugars that breads leave behind in your mouth. This increases your child’s risk for cavities. Another way you can fight back against cavities is by swishing your mouth swish water after eating to reduce the sugars left behind in your mouth.
7. Keep an eye out for dental problems early. Early treatment of orthodontic problems can help to guide the growth of your child’s jaw and facial bones as they grow up. Certain orthodontic problems can cause pain and bone issues if left untreated. Make sure to keep an eye out for potential orthodontic problems such as speech difficulty, teeth crowding, mouth breathing, and difficulties chewing or biting. Kids can begin to see an orthodontist by the age of seven. Reach out to your pediatric dentist if you’re worried about your child’s teeth.

Looking for local childrens dentists in your area? Smilez Pediatric Dental Group has the right dentist for your family. With years of experience in pediatric dentistry, we have the expertise and compassion to make sure your child feels safe and comfortable during their dental exams and treatments. For more information about our dental services or to schedule an appointment, contact Smilez Pediatric Dental Group today.