Winter break is a time to have fun, rest, and spend quality time with family. It is easy for kids’ oral health to fall behind, though, with all the holiday treats and changes to their daily routines.
You can keep your child’s smile healthy and bright during the holidays by following a few easy steps. Visit a dentist in Pleasanton, CA, to get a checkup or find out more about how to take care of your child’s teeth.
1. Master the art of brushing.
For healthy teeth and gums, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Tell your kid to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste made just for kids every time they brush for at least two minutes.
To make it more fun for them to brush their teeth, play their favorite two-minute song while they do it. Make sure they brush all of their teeth.
2. Understand the importance of flossing.
Flossing is just as important as brushing because it gets rid of food and gunk between teeth that a toothbrush can not. Help your child learn how to properly brush if they are old enough. For younger kids, you might want to use floss picks or holders to make it easier.
3. Make healthy swaps.
During winter break, lots of sweets are often sold. It is okay to treat yourself once in a while but try to stick to healthy options more often. Instead of adding sugar to cookies, try adding raisins or cranberries to whole-wheat cookies.
As healthy snacks, you could give them apple pieces with cinnamon on top or carrot sticks with hummus. Replace drinks and juices with water or milk that has not been sweetened. These easy swaps can lower the risk of cavities by a large amount.
4. The power of hydration.
Aside from being important for general health, water is also very important for oral health. There is less chance of getting cavities because it helps wash away food bits and plaque. Encourage your kid to drink water all day, but especially after meals and snacks that are high in sugar.
5. Schedule regular dental checkups.
Even during winter break, it is important to stick to a regular tooth care practice. Make sure your child’s teeth check-ups do not get pushed back because of the school break. Set up a check-up for them during the break to make sure their teeth are healthy and to catch any problems early.
6. Some additional tips for a healthy smile.
- Limit sugary drinks: Do not drink too many sugary drinks, like soda, juice, and sports drinks.
- Select snacks that are good for your teeth: Choose snacks like cheese, yogurt, and green veggies like celery and carrots. These foods can naturally clean your teeth.
- Let your child help you make choices: Let them help you pick out healthy snacks and help you plan meals.
- Make dental care fun: Play games while you brush your teeth, and use fun toothbrushes to make dental care fun. Reward good oral health habits.
- Take care of any problems right away: If you have toothaches, gum bleeding, or bad breath, which are all signs of oral problems, you should make an appointment with the dentist right away.
You can help your child keep a healthy smile over the holidays by adding these easy tips to your regular schedule during winter break. Remember that teaching kids good oral health skills at a young age will help them for a long time.
Consult a dentist today.
For the best oral health, you need to go to the dentist for regular check-ups. Finding oral problems early and stopping them before they get worse can save you time, money, and pain in the long run. Get your child’s teeth checked out at the dentist today to keep their smile healthy and bright.