How to Keep your Child’s Teeth Healthy
Children teeth health is a universal concern shared by parents all over the world. Parents place great importance on keeping the teeth healthy from infancy to maturity when the child can take care of himself. Parents who are careless with this important responsibility witness various tooth and gum diseases in their children with age. To keep your child’s teeth healthy, you do not have to go out of the way. It only asks for minor lifestyle changes including hygiene and diet. These changes will continue to benefit your child all through his or her life and keep him away from dental problems. Our step by step guide talks about the basic and simple, but important things you should do to become a proud parent who took good care of his child’s teeth.
Instructions
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1
Hygiene
Brushing after every meal is advisable as it does not let food particles accumulate between the teeth. These food particles build up to make plaque which is detrimental to teeth health. Build this concept of brushing into your children’s psychology and brief them about its reason and importance. A child who knows the reason why you are insisting so much will stick to the routine even when you are not around. In any case, insist on brushing at least twice a day. Make brushing a fun activity by getting your child tooth pastes of his/her favorite flavor and tooth brushes which are colorful and animated. If your child is young, get him a child sized soft toothbrush, appropriate for his age and teeth. Teach him the right way to brush i.e. in a circular motion covering all teeth. Train the child to floss once a day. Use waxed floss which does not damage the gums while doing the job of removing food particles perfectly.
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2
Food
Under food there are two categories: those which help keep the teeth healthy and those which should be avoided for the same purpose. You need to feed your children food that contains calcium because that is what strengthens teeth. Foods that contain calcium are dairy food like yogurt, milk and cheese and sea food like Sardines, mackerel and salmon. Fruits like Kiwis, Grapefruit, Limes and Cranberry contain anti-bacterial properties which get rid of the bacteria in your mouth and give your children fresher breath apart from keeping the teeth and gums healthy. Green tea is also known to have anti-bacterial benefits and you can replace your children’s hot drinks like coffee with it. Foods which contain Vitamin C prevent gum inflammation. These foods include fruits like oranges and lemon, beans and different vegetables.
Foods which should be avoided include the ones which are high on refined sugar and acid content. These include colas and candy which are harmful to teeth health. It also does not mean that you totally restrict your child’s diet and habits. Give him reasons and logic about every action so that he understands and becomes a responsible when he grows out of your care.
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Dental check
Even if your child is not going through any dental problem, it is very necessary that you arrange a check up with a dentist at least every six months. The dentist will evaluate the current health of the teeth and suggest improvements. Going for a checkup even if you are not facing any current dental issues will always help you to avoid problems before they occur.
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Supplements
Supplements are also available which boost up teeth health. These include supplements that contain Fluoride which plays a great role in good teeth. MI paste contains the much needed Calcium while Xyltol is another supplement taken to improve teeth health. However, you will not be required to take help from supplements if you keep the diet and hygiene of your child healthy right from the start.
