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Caring for your child’s oral health is important for their overall well-being. When your little one has a full set of healthy, strong teeth, they’re able to chew food easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently. When your child has tooth decay, it can lead to pain and other dental issues. Here are a few simple things you can do to make sure your child’s teeth and mouth are healthy.

• Brushing

You should brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, you should brush after breakfast and after dinner, and before bed. You should brush your child’s teeth until he or she reaches the age of 6 to 8 years old. If your child uses fluoride toothpaste, this can help prevent tooth decay. You should also take your child to the Dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

• Flossing

The number one thing you can do to make sure your child’s teeth and mouth are healthy is to floss. Flossing removes plaque from the areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. It also helps remove debris from between teeth.

• Avoid Sugary Snacks

Avoid giving your child snacks or drinks containing sugar. This includes candy, cookies, cakes, and soda. While the occasional treat is fine, try to limit your child’s consumption of sugary foods and beverages.

• See Their Dentist Regularly

Seeing their Dentist at least twice a year will help ensure your child’s teeth are healthy and free of decay. The Dentist will be able to spot any potential problems before they become more painful or expensive to treat.

• Consider Preventive Treatments

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems among children. Fortunately, cavities can be treated with fillings or sealants. You might also want to consider fluoride treatments. This mineral can help strengthen the enamel in your child’s teeth, making it harder for cavities to develop. Fluoride treatments can sometimes be provided in the form of varnish or gel.

• Select The Right Foods

It’s never too late to start making healthier food choices for your child. A great way to reduce plaque is to limit their intake of sugary, starchy, or acidic foods and give healthy, nutritious meals instead. 

• Avoid Putting Your Child to Bed With Bottles

A bottle in your child’s mouth overnight can cause tooth decay and cavities. The sugars and acids from juice or milk can attack the teeth, causing tooth decay. If your child has a bottle in him or her overnight, you should begin to wean him or her off of it. You can begin by only putting water in the bottle. Then, you can introduce your child to a cup.

• Avoid Giving Your Child Sweets and Candy

If your child eats a lot of sweets or candy, this can cause tooth decay. Additionally, if your child eats too many sugary foods, this can cause plaque buildup and cavities. You should limit your child’s intake of candy, sweets, and sugary foods. These foods should be eaten only occasionally.

To learn more about good oral care habits, schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh by calling Soos Creek Dental at (253) 631-8241 or visiting our office located at 17615 SE 272nd St, Covington, WA 98042.