Did you know that cavities in children are 5 times more common than asthma, 7 times more common than hay fever, and also more common than childhood diabetes and obesity? The good news, however, is that cavities are completely preventable with regular care from a pediatric dentist in Allen and a few good tips and tricks. And, because February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, it’s a fantastic time to find out how easy it is to help your child have a healthy smile. Keep reading for 3 tips you can start using right away to give them a lifetime of great dental health!
Brushing and flossing habits are a big part of good oral health, and the earlier your child starts, the better. If you feel like you have a daily “brushing battle” on your hands, try the following tricks to make things more fun for your child:
Unfortunately, sugar is in everything these days. In addition to impacting many children’s overall health, it can have serious consequences for their teeth as well.
Each time your child consumes something with sugar in it, acid is produced that wears away their enamel. If they consume a lot of sugar, or eat a little bit of sugar frequently, their risk of getting cavities is very high.
To minimize this risk, start by limiting sugary foods and snacks and offering low-sugar alternatives such as:
Also, anything sweet should be eaten with meals instead of as a snack. It’s not only the amount of sugar that matters, but the frequency with which your child consumes it.
Remember the phrase, “Sip all day, get decay,” as a reminder not to sip or snack throughout the day.
Along with good hygiene and dietary choices, regular checkups with a dentist for kids in Allen are the foundation for a healthy smile. These visits are a way to make sure your child doesn’t have any undiagnosed cavities or other problems that will get worse if left untreated.
Checkups are also necessary for prevention. Professional fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel to prevent tooth decay, and sealants (thin, durable coatings on the back permanent teeth) have been shown to prevent 80% of childhood cavities.
A lifetime of good oral health starts in childhood. These 3 simple tips will help your child have a healthy smile now and for many years to come!
Dr. Russell Choy is a children’s dentist in Allen who is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to children. His goal is to help every patient establish great oral health at an early age that will carry them well into adulthood. If you have any other questions about your child’s dental health, he can be reached via his website.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening teeth – it can improve your child’s developing bite, prevent dangerous overcrowding of teeth, fix breathing and swallowing problems, help them speak more clearly, and improve their self-confidence as well! Dr. Michael offers a wide variety of services that are a great fit for every age group with a personalized touch.
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It’s never too early to get children started on the right path towards a healthy, happy smile that lasts for life. Dr. Russell has plenty of experience with treating infants, toddlers, school-aged children, teenagers, and everyone who falls somewhere in-between. Better yet, his pediatric care approach will grow with patients over time in order to keep them feeling at ease.
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