Let's See Those Pearly Whites: 4 Strategies To Protect The Enamel On Your Kids' Teeth
If you have young kids, you need to be worried about the enamel on their teeth. Damaged enamel can set your kids up for cavities and tooth decay. Proper dental hygiene is key to healthy enamel. The best way to protect your kids teeth is to visit the dentist at least twice a year. In addition, here are some strategies you can employ to help keep your kids enamel healthy.
Make Sure They Brush and Floss
When it comes to protecting the enamel on your kids teeth, you need to make sure that they brush and floss at least twice a day – and that they're doing it effectively. You may think that they're brushing and flossing effectively, but that might not be the case. For your kids to be effective in protecting the enamel on their teeth, they should be brushing and flossing after each meal. Not only that, but each brushing session should last about 2-3 minutes. One way to make sure that they're brushing long enough is to set a timer while they're home. A timer will ensure that they continue brushing long enough to remove the damaging substances from the surface of their teeth.
Encourage Them to Drink More Water
If your kids are like most, they prefer to avoid drinking water. Unfortunately, avoiding water is a good way to damage the enamel on their teeth. Water hydrates the gums, encourages the production of saliva – which is beneficial for preventing cavities – and washes away the bacteria and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. To protect the enamel on your kids teeth, be sure to have them drink plenty of water.
Limit Their Intake of Sugary Beverages
Kids love the taste of sugary beverages. Unfortunately, those sugary beverages can do a real number on teeth. For maximum dental protection, your kids should be discouraged from drinking sugary beverages, including sweetened fruit juices and sports drinks. If you don't want to remove those drinks from your kids diets altogether, limit them instead. Provide those drinks when your kids are at home so they'll be able to rinse their mouths with water and brush their teeth once they're done.
Choose the Best Time for Them To Eat Citrus
If you're in the habit of sending orange slices to school with your kids, you might want to change that habit. Oranges – and other citrus fruits – can ruin the enamel on your kids teeth, especially if your kids don't have the opportunity to brush right after they eat. Citrus fruit is extremely acidic. If the acidity is allowed to remain on your kids teeth for an extended period of time, it will begin to eat away at the enamel. Instead of sending orange slices to school with your kids, save the tasty fruit for an after-school snack instead.
Speak with a local kids' dentist for more information.
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