Healthy habits start early!

Dental health is important for everyone, and starting your children off with good habits early can lead to a lifetime of good oral health. By teaching children good dental hygiene habits, they will learn to make smart choices about their oral health care. Emphasizing the importance of healthy teeth starts early, and parents can even begin introducing dental care in babies. Start with a soft, warm washcloth and gently massage their gums after feeding. This little step can help your children get used to dental habits early on.

The team at Compass Dental Group in Maryville, Missouri, is here to help you every step of the way in your child’s dental journey. Read on to learn more about how you can set your child up for dental success!

Emphasize Good Brushing and Flossing Habits

Good habits start with the basics. And for your child’s dental health, that starts with brushing their teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time, as well as flossing at least once per day.

Making sure your child is brushing their teeth properly is a great way to start perfecting good oral health habits. A proper toothbrush is an important tool, and it should fit properly in your child’s mouth, maneuver around easily, and have soft bristles. There are many children’s toothbrushes available that are designed with smaller heads, and some are even decorated with your child’s favorite cartoon character.

To start good brushing habits, show your child how to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush in small, circular motions, ensuring to brush all surfaces of the tooth, including the fronts, backs, and sides. To help ensure each tooth is brushed, have your child imagine there are four parts of their mouth—top right, top left, bottom right, bottom left—and aim to brush each of those sections for a minimum of 30 seconds each.

Daily flossing is another important part of a good dental hygiene routine. To floss properly, have your child hold the dental floss taut between their fingers, then slide the dental floss in between the teeth and gently rub it along the side of each tooth, making sure to curve the floss along the tooth as it approaches the gumline.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of your child’s overall health. Biannual dental visits allow for early detection and prevention of all sorts of dental issues, including cavities and tooth decay, especially in the back teeth and molars, where it can be harder for children to brush and floss properly.

During a regular dental checkup, the team at Compass Dental Group can thoroughly evaluate your child’s teeth to make sure there are no unseen problems, like tooth decay. Our team will also watch and monitor how your child’s teeth are coming in and recommend an orthodontic evaluation if necessary.

Healthy Diet for Healthy Teeth

Did you know that a healthy overall diet can help keep your child’s smile strong and brilliant? Here are some choices for a healthy, balanced diet.

• Dairy products: Low-fat dairy items, like cheese, milk, and yogurt, are rich in calcium, which is great for strong bones and tooth enamel.
• Crunchy vegetables and fruits: Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, crunchy vegetables and fruits, like apples, carrots, and celery, have their own little secret: they are nature’s toothbrush! Crunchy fruits and vegetables are fibrous in nature, which helps sweep away food particles while you are chewing them. The extra chewing also stimulates saliva production, which helps balance out the pH in your child’s mouth, helping to eliminate the buildup of acids that cause cavities.
• Leafy greens: Dark-colored leafy greens hold a plethora of vitamins and minerals, so look to add a side of kale or spinach to complete a well-rounded meal or as a base for a smoothie.
• Protein: Lean protein is great for a balanced diet, but did you know that protein helps promote good gum health? Look to add protein like eggs, nuts, and lean meats to your child’s diet. Beans and legumes are also great inexpensive protein choices.

Just like there are healthy foods, there are some foods and drinks that should be avoided. While we all may have a bit of a sweet tooth, any food high in artificial sugar, like candy and soda, should be limited. This is because your mouth converts sugars and starches into a sticky substance that can leave a film on your teeth. If that sticky film isn’t brushed away, it can turn into plaque and tartar, which can eat away at teeth and create cavities.

Other foods to avoid are those that are high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices. Too much acid in your mouth can eat away at the enamel of your teeth, making your teeth weaker and more susceptible to erosion and cavities.

Get your child’s oral health on the right track with a visit to Compass Dental Group!

One of the most important ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy is by making biannual visits to Compass Dental Group in Maryville, Missouri. Our team is ready to provide you and your family with a complete dental evaluation and cleaning to ensure everyone’s teeth are strong and healthy. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!