Learning how to take care of your teeth from an early age is important for the future. Kids who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to develop cavities in their permanent teeth. In fact, up to 40% of kindergarteners already have cavities and nearly 91% of Americans over the age of 20 have at least one.
By teaching your kids proper oral care from the start, they'll be less likely to develop dental health issues in the future like tooth decay and gum disease. The good news is that improving your child's dental health is easier now than ever before. Here are three simple ways you can boost your kids' dental health without breaking a sweat.
Opt for the Right Snacks
Many parents aim to get their kids to eat healthier. Healthy snacks not only help your kids grow big and strong because of their vitamins and nutrients but they also help to keep your child's teeth clean, too. Some great snack options for kids to boost their dental health include greek yogurt, apples, celery, and cheese sticks. Apples act as natural sponges, gently scrubbing away at stains and plaque on your child's teeth. Celery also acts as a natural dental floss because the strings remove plaque from the spaces between your child's teeth. Greek yogurt and cheese sticks are high in calcium, which help to support and strengthen your child's teeth and bones.
Choose Sealants at the Dentist
It's recommended to visit your dentist at least once every six months for regular cleanings. It only takes 24 hours for plaque to turn into tartar, and only a dentist can remove tartar from your child's teeth. Talk to your child's dentist about sealants during their appointment. Sealants are a thin, protective coating that your dentist can place over your child's teeth to help protect them against tooth decay before it can start. Sealants are especially great for the back teeth, which are often more prone to cavities. They don't hurt your child and they only take a minute or two for the dentist to apply.
Use the Disney Magic Timer
It's recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. For kids, two minutes can feel like a lifetime when they're doing something boring like brushing their teeth. The Disney Magic Timer is a great way to make brushing fun. The timer is a free app that not only times your child as they brush but also logs the days they brushed their teeth and offers videos showing kids the right way to brush. What's more, the app has a high safety score so you don't have to worry about how the app might use your child's data like other apps that have faced a ban from the Google Play and Apple App stores.
Keeping your kids on the path toward good oral health can be tricky. But, with the right moves, you can help to keep their chompers healthy and strong.
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