Three
Secrets to a Super Smile and Great Teeth
Nobody likes to get cavities. Brushing and flossing will
help your child avoid the dentist’s drill, but there are other, lesser-known
ways to keep your child’s mouth healthy and beautiful.
Secret #1: Eat right—keep your smile bright and your
teeth healthy
A healthy diet, rich in whole grains and vegetables and
low in processed foods, benefits every part of a child’s body—even the pearly
whites. Most of us know that fluoride is important for children’s oral health,
but other minerals and vitamins can help reduce gum disease and strengthen
teeth. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins A and D are important for
building and protecting tooth enamel; antioxidants (found in many fresh fruits
and vegetables) help the body ward off infection, which can lead to gum
disease. Since all of these can be found in healthy foods, eating right can be
a great tool in your child’s fight against cavities.
Secret #2: Attack the plaque
Starchy or sugary foods mix with the acids in saliva and
form a sticky substance called plaque. If the plaque sits on your child’s teeth
too long, it can lead to decay (cavities). Brushing, chewing sugarless gum with
xylitol or rinsing out your child’s mouth 30 minutes after eating will help remove
the plaque, but another idea is to focus on regular meals. Snacking throughout
the day means that your child’s mouth is exposed to more bacteria, and,
realistically, most children are not going to remember to brush every time they
eat. And when they do snack, children should stick to tooth-friendly snacks
like cheese or veggies.
Secret #3: Shun the sugary drinks
Speaking of plaque-forming acid, some of the main
culprits of tooth decay in children are soda and sugary fruit drinks. These
tend to have a high acid content, which erodes tooth enamel—even diet sodas,
despite being sugar-free, are highly acidic. When enamel is not strong, teeth
are more prone to cavities. Have your child avoid soda and candy as much as
possible, and, if children do indulge, make sure they brush their teeth soon
afterward.
If you have further questions regarding oral health, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509) 891-7070.
