February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This year’s theme is "Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles"
Healthy Habits are important to instill into our children at a young age. Teaching and modeling healthy habits to your children early in life helps to raise children who will continue to maintain healthy habits into adulthood.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends achieving healthy habits in four simple steps:
Brush your teeth 2x a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Make tooth brushing a family activity and incorporate brushing together as part of your daily routine. You can help make this healthy habit fun by creating a toothbrushing game and challenging your child to choose their favorite song and brush until the end.
Choose a fluoride toothpaste that tastes good to your child. Sometimes mint toothpaste is strong and children describe them as spicy. Choose a flavor that is appealing to your child to make the healthy habit and easier sell.
Floss and clean between your teeth
Children can develop healthy flossing habits early. Many child fun flossers are available for purchase which can make flossing fun and easier to learn for small hands. Children should floss 1x a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Eat Healthy Foods and Eliminate Sugary Beverages
Helping your child maintain a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is best to maintain a healthy smile. A few of the best foods and drinks for healthy teeth and gums are cheese, milk and yogurt. Water, celery, carrots and other crunchy veggies as well as fruits and nuts are healthy choices.
Make sure to only eat sugary and sticky foods sparingly and to teach your children to brush their teeth right away after enjoying a treat.
See your Dentist at least twice a year
Visiting a Pediatric dentist at least twice a year will help to maintain healthy teeth. Seeing your dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry on a regular basis will help to identify any decay as quickly as possible to avoid cavities and more expensive procedures.
Avoiding these procedures will also help your child to avoid discomfort and associate that with visiting the dentist. This will help to make your child more comfortable with visiting the dentist.
Your team at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry is here to help your family develop healthy habits for healthy smiles. Let us know if you have any questions as you work with your child to develop healthy habits that will last.
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