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4 Ways to Help Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy While at Home

July 10, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — rozas @ 8:51 pm
a mother and her child sitting on the couch on their tablet and computer smiling while at home

If your children are like many others, they are currently spending more time at home than out with friends or at the local movie theater or parks. Covid-19 is causing more families to find ways to entertain and engage in the comfort of their living room, backyard, and kitchen. Even with school starting, many are choosing or need to stay home due to health concerns.  With all this extra time your children are spending at home, what are you doing to ensure their smile stays healthy and strong? A pediatric dentist in Coppell shares 4 helpful tips for keeping your child’s teeth and gums decay- and disease-free.

1.      Make Brushing and Flossing a Family Event

You can opt to stand and observe your child as they brush and floss their time each day, or you can make it more fun and enjoyable by cleaning your smile along with them! Whether it is turning on some music and having a dance party or turning it into a game, bringing the whole family together to practice good oral hygiene habits can be fun. Not only does it show your kids the importance of maintaining a healthy smile as they grow older, but it also allows you to set a positive example.

2.      Make Sure They’re Not Using Too Much Toothpaste

For years, parents have sighed in disbelief when walking toward the bathroom sink. Looking down, they find numerous glops of toothpaste stuck to the porcelain and waiting to be scrubbed. For children learning how to brush their teeth on their own, knowing how much to use isn’t always easy. As a parent, make sure you are watching them when applying toothpaste to their brush. Kids over the age of 6 should receive a pea-sized amount while younger children should only receive a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste.

3.      Cook Together in the Kitchen

This particular tip should include a bit of clarification. When bringing your child into the kitchen to cook meals together, make sure they are healthy menu items. If your little one has difficulty eating vegetables or is hesitant to try new foods, bringing them into the kitchen to help with the preparation and cooking will encourage them to taste new flavors while engaging in a fun and enjoyable activity. It also teaches them how good, nutritious food will help them maintain a healthy weight and beautiful smile.

4.      Minimize Sweet and Starchy Snacking

When kids are at home, they are more apt to snack. Depending on the types of foods you keep in your home, this can be a good or bad thing. If the cabinets contain cookies, crackers, and other sugary or starchy options, this can be disastrous for their smile; however, if raw vegetables, fruit, leafy greens, and low-fat dairy products are what they’re munching on, these options can protect their teeth, strengthen the enamel, and help minimize the risk of decay and gum disease.

By adopting these helpful tips in your daily routine, you can help to ensure your child’s smile looks and feels it best throughout the summer and in preparation for the upcoming school year.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She and her team believe in providing transparent and valuable tips to both parents and children about maintaining good oral health. Through the comprehensive services she offers to her focus on patient education, Dr. Rozas is here to answer your questions and address any concerns you might have about your child’s teeth and gums. If you have questions or would like to learn more about how we can help improve your little one’s smile, contact us at (972) 393-9779.

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