It is never too early to start teaching your child how to take care of their teeth. In fact, the sooner they get into the habit of brushing and flossing twice a day, the better! Here are 5 tips for keeping your child’s teeth healthy and free from cavities, with a little help from your local dentist Richmond.
- Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Be sure to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush and supervise them while they brush to ensure they are not swallowing any. Not all children’s toothpaste is fluoridated so be sure to check the ingredients.
- Avoid sugary drinks
Soda, juice, and other sugary drinks are a major cause of cavities in children. Stick to water or milk instead, and limit sweetened beverages to special occasions. The real trick here is moderation, because even healthy beverages like orange juice with its high natural sugars and acidity can be a problem for young teeth.
- Don’t forget to floss
In addition to brushing twice a day, it is important to floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. You can help your child floss by using a fluoride rinse afterwards. Introducing kids to flossing can be difficult, so make it fun by letting them choose their own flavoured floss, and create an excellent habit for the rest of their lives.
- Eat healthy foods
A balanced diet is important for overall health, including dental health. Encourage your child to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit sugary snacks and candy. It is also important to avoid sticky foods like dried fruit, which can get stuck in teeth and lead to cavities.
- Visit the dental surgery regularly
It is recommended that children see a dental team every six months for a cleaning and check-up. This way, any problems can be caught early and treated before they become serious.
By following these tips, you can help your child to develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime!
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in water and many foods. It is important for healthy teeth and bones. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. It can also help to repair early damage to teeth.
Most people get enough fluoride from drinking tap water, eating foods with fluoride, and using toothpaste that contains fluoride. However, some people may need to take fluoride supplements if they don’t get enough from other sources.
Fluoride treatments are available for people who have cavities or who are at high risk for cavities. The treatment involves applying fluoride to the teeth either through a mouth rinse or a gel. It can be a great preventative measure, especially for children, with milk teeth that are more vulnerable to cavities.
Fluoride treatments are generally safe, but it is possible to get too much fluoride if you are not careful. If you have any questions about fluoride, please ask your dental team. They can help you determine if you or your child would benefit from a fluoride treatment.