Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health. In fact, access to oral health care systems is one of the leading oral health indicators. That’s how much of an impact healthy teeth and gums have throughout someone’s life. When you prioritize your child’s dental health, you are establishing a strong foundation for their future smile. We wanted to review some tips for keeping your child’s teeth healthy for life:

  • Establish good oral care routines

Start early on to establish a regular toothbrushing and flossing routine. If your child has a hard time embracing the habit, create a reward chart where they can mark down each day they brush and floss. Offer a prize when they get to a certain number of days. It doesn’t have to be a physical prize or a food-related treat. Instead, it can be a surprise trip to their favorite place, like the park, or one extra hour of TV or video games.

  • Limit sugary treats and beverages

Your child should avoid added sugars, like the kind you find in desserts, sugary treats, and overly sweetened beverages. The sugar in these foods mixes with the saliva in your mouth, leading to tooth decay. However, the natural sugars you find in fruits and whole grains are safe. In fact, those types of healthy and nutritious foods should be a part of your child’s regular diet. 

  • Be a good example

One of the best ways you can encourage your child to take care of their teeth is by doing it for yourself. They should witness you brushing your teeth and flossing. Keep your own dental checkups and talk about what happened at your appointment. Eat healthy foods and discuss how it helps your smile. When they see you prioritize your oral health, it inspires them to do the same.

  • Wear a custom athletic mouthguard

If your child plays sports, they must wear protective gear to protect against injury. They need the same for their mouth, too. Visit our office for a customized athletic mouthguard. It will fit your child better than anything store-bought. It will also offer better protection against mouth injury, since it fits them perfectly. While it’s a bit more expensive, it’s worth it in the long run. 

  • Visit us for regular checkups

Regular dental cleanings and exams is necessary for keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Coming in for a professional cleaning and thorough exam will help you stay on top of everything that happens to your child’s smile. We make it enjoyable by giving your child a certificate and a prize box at the end of their appointment. Plus, we monitor their bite and can provide early orthodontic prevention, if necessary.

Need to make an appointment? To schedule a consultation, call Denise DiBona, DDS, LLC today at 732-945-5343 or schedule online.