Tooth decay is a common childhood condition that can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. The bacteria in your mouth produce acid that can damage tooth enamel. Eventually, the structure of their teeth becomes weak and they will start to decay. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help prevent this. With these five lifestyle and nutrition tips (and a little help from Midland Dental Hub), your little one will set up for a lifetime of healthy oral health habits!
At Midland Dental Hub, our child-friendly dentists are here to support your family in achieving great dental health. While we are not a dedicated paediatric dentist in Midland, we are fully equipped, trained and experienced in performing children’s dentistry. If you’re looking for welcoming and professional children’s dentistry in Midland, book in for a friendly visit today!
Understand the connection between tooth decay and nutrition
Firstly, it’s important to understand the connection between nutrition and tooth decay. This is because the bacteria in your mouth is impacted by your diet, which can, in turn, produce the acid that damages tooth enamel.
It’s also important to understand what kind of nutrients you need for great oral health. When it comes to having healthy teeth throughout childhood, the most important nutrient is calcium. A lack of calcium can lead to tooth decay as well as other health problems, like weak bones and osteoporosis. One easy way to get more calcium is by having a diet rich in dairy products, like milk, cheese or yoghurt. You can also get calcium from leafy greens like spinach or kale and some nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
Ensure your kids are eating healthy food
Often, great oral health begins from the inside out. The most important thing you can do for your child’s oral health is to ensure that they’re eating plenty of healthy food. This will help prevent tooth decay and the other problems that come with it, including pain and infection. During a children’s dentistry appointment at Midland Dental Hub, we’ll often recommend eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote great dental health. Highly acidic or sugary foods and beverages have a detrimental impact on your child’s teeth. So, when looking at your child’s diet, take note of what they’re eating – could they be consuming too much sugar?
If you’d like expert advice on your child’s dental health, visit us at Midland Dental Hub. While we are not a solely focused paediatric dentist in Midland, we’re very experienced and fully equipped in children’s dentistry.
Encourage your kids to drink plenty of water
Make it a habit to encourage your kids to drink plenty of water. Water is essential to survival and is the best beverage to consume to maintain great dental health. When you drink plenty of water, it dilutes the acid within the mouth and naturally washes away food particles. If your child doesn’t drink enough water, their saliva production will likely decrease, which can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay.
It’s also important to hydrate with water before eating or drinking anything sugary. Acidic and sugary drinks are one of the biggest culprits for tooth decay because they stick to teeth for an extended period of time. The longer the sugars stay in contact with teeth, the greater the chance of tooth decay.
Brush their teeth twice a day
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again – brushing your teeth twice per day is a great way to keep them healthy and strong. Though, very young children are often too young to use large adult-sized toothbrushes. Instead, give your child a soft-bristled brush that is made specifically for children. To ensure that your child is brushing their teeth properly and regularly, we recommend helping them brush their teeth until they’re old enough to do it on their own.
If you’re having trouble caring for your child’s teeth, or have any questions, come in for a visit at Midland Dental Hub. Great dental care doesn’t have to be tough or out of reach – visit our dentist in Midland!
Visit the dentist regularly
Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the best ways to keep your kids’ teeth healthy. But how often should they go? It’s recommended that children visit their dentist twice a year. However, if your child has dental problems, they should visit more regularly. Regular visits will help the dentist examine the growth, development, and general condition of your child’s mouth. They can also evaluate any oral health problems and recommend treatments or preventive steps to take. Going to a dentist is also an opportunity for your child to learn about dental hygiene – brushing, flossing, rinsing after eating sugary foods, and drinking from a straw when possible.
Did you know that if your child is not specifically required to visit a paediatric dentist, it is perfectly safe to visit a general dental practice? At Midland Dental Hub, we are experienced in performing children’s dentistry! Our dental team has an exceptional knack for making children feel comfortable, safe, and heard in the dental chair. We’re here to set your little one up for a lifetime of great oral health – for children’s dentistry in Midland, book a visit today!