{"id":1238,"date":"2021-09-15T23:50:42","date_gmt":"2021-09-15T23:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/dental-care-tips-for-parents-of-young-kids\/"},"modified":"2021-09-15T23:50:42","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T23:50:42","slug":"dental-care-tips-for-parents-of-young-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/dental-care-tips-for-parents-of-young-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental Care Tips for Parents of Young Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

THE LIFE OF A PARENT<\/b> is a hectic one. Keeping track of everything your growing child needs can be a real juggling act, so maybe we can take one of the balls out of the air by offering a few easy tips for how to stay on top of your kids\u2019 dental health (without neglecting your own)!<\/p>\n

1. Choosing the Right Toothbrush<\/h3>\n

Brushing (whether with a manual or electric toothbrush) is the easiest and most important method of cavity prevention, but it can be tricky to find the right toothbrush for your child with so many different options available.<\/p>\n

A good place to start is by looking for a toothbrush with soft, polished (round-ended) bristles<\/strong>. These brushes clean effectively but are still gentle to the gums. Make sure the brush is designed for small hands and mouths, and try to replace it every few months or so. A brush with frayed, smashed bristles won\u2019t be as effective!<\/p>\n

Your child probably won\u2019t be able to brush their teeth effectively without help until they\u2019re 7 or 8, so make sure to work with them and supervise their technique<\/strong>. Then they\u2019ll know how to do it properly when they\u2019ve developed enough hand-eye coordination for it!<\/p>\n

2. Sealants Are Excellent for Cavity-Prevention<\/h3>\n

Dental sealants are a layer of clear plastic material that can be painted over the deep grooves and pits in the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent decay and block out bacteria. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends sealants, especially for children who already have a history of tooth decay<\/strong>. Sealants significantly reduce the risk of childhood caries.<\/p>\n

3. Cheese and Fruit: Great Teeth-Friendly Snacks<\/h3>\n

Research shows that some of the healthiest snacks for a growing child\u2019s teeth are cheese and fruit. Cheese is a great source of calcium (which will help remineralize their tooth enamel) and helps to stimulate the salivary glands. Saliva is important for clearing food remnants away and neutralizing harmful acids.<\/strong> Fruit is also a great mouth-healthy snack, because the fibers of the fruit help scrub teeth clean. We recommend whole or sliced fruit over fruit juice every time!<\/p>\n