By Did you know that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease in the United States which exceeds even asthma? Because three out of five children suffer from tooth decay in the US, the American Dental Association (ADA) continues its educational work on oral hygiene and the value they have for teeth care in children and adolescents.
While there is only one way to look after your children’s teeth, dentists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that the children should see the first consultation with the dentist when their first tooth appears or before their first birthday.
The ADA insists that for your child to enjoy optimal dental health, which protects them from oral infections and degenerative gum disease, your child should have a balanced diet, low in consumption of foods and sugary drinks, practice good brushing, flossing regularly and visiting the dentist every six months.
Become the example of perseverance to practice healthy dental habits and ensure to show when you brush. You must exercise patience when your child does not want to brush, but be firm and reinforce the message to stop brushing is not an option.
The American Dental Association recommends that your child should brush their teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride and floss daily to remove debris left between teeth.
There are some habits you can practice or incorporate into your child’s routine towards their dental health. Here are some of the recommendations of ADA and the American Academy of Pediatrics;
Care every bite your child is carried to the mouth and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Remember that soft, artificial juices and sports drinks are considered sugary drinks, which are contraindicated by dentists because they cause tooth decay in children.
Promote the consumption of foods and beverages high in calcium content whether you offer him/her cheese, milk or yogurt, as well as the intake of fruits and vegetables to allow to have strong, healthy bones and teeth.
Replace junk food snacks with fruits and vegetables.
Avoid rewarding your child with sweets or desserts. Remember that sugar creates a layer that is eventually transformed into bacteria and acid that erode tooth enamel of your child. One of the recommendations made by dentists is that when you offer your child sweets in the form of candy, try to choose those that melt quickly instead of hard candies having to stick to teeth and cause cavities.
Serve as a model for your child constantly because there is nothing like practice and model to promote optimal dental health. If your child refuses or is not interested in brushing, let him/her observe you while you brush. The idea is to educate them on how to brush for optimal dental health. To find more info, please visit Come Sbiancare i Denti Velocemente
