With each new year, many of us tend to come up with a list of resolutions. The most common ones tend to revolve around health and personal finances.
But what about your smile? We’ve all been guilty of failing to floss or rushing our brushing routine. With these tips from your children’s dentist in Charlotte, your entire family can include a “healthier smile” on their list of resolutions for 2020. Plus, because you’re all on board, it might result in some fun, friendly competition!
Brush and floss daily. When it comes to the smile in your family, it’s imperative to brush a minimum of two times per day – two minutes each time – and floss once a day. We recommend an electric or soft-bristled, manual brush along with fluoridated toothpaste. Doing so gets rid of food and plaque, therefore reducing the likelihood of decay and cavities. If you or any young members of your family need a refresher on proper brushing and flossing technique, please ask! We can provide a demonstration.
Reduce sugar intake. Sugar can wreak havoc on your smile and your child’s. It feeds bacteria in the mouth, which produces acid that eats away at your enamel. As your children’s dentist in Charlotte, we know some of the most notorious food and drink products are soda, energy and fruit drinks, and candies. If you like gum, a healthy alternative is Xylitol. Naturally found in plants, this ingredient is actually good for your oral health and can help prevent decay.
Make regular dental visits. For you and your child, it’s just as important to get regular cleanings and checkups as it is to practice proper oral care at home. Two visits per year is the standard, however depending on your own smile needs, we may recommend a different schedule. At Bird Pediatric Dentistry, we realize you may need to change your child’s appointment due to unforeseen circumstances. No problem! Just let us know and we’ll gladly reschedule to a day and time that works for both of you.
Always protect your smile . If you or your child play on a sports team or enjoy any form of contact sports, then it’s a must to get fitted for a sports mouth guard . Losing a tooth can affect the entire mouth, as teeth tend to shift – especially in a developing young child – when a gap is created. This can negatively impact the appearance and function of teeth.
Find smile opportunities! When you feel good about your smile, there’s something about it that makes you want to share it with others. Take lots of family photos and get everyone to say, “cheese!” And, if your child has a cell phone or iPad, you can encourage them to take one selfie a week, so that over time they can see the development of their smile and hold on to those memories.
When is it time for your child’s first dental visit? By their first birthday or first tooth – whichever comes first. Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend following this rule.
If there are specific ways we can help your child achieve their healthiest smile this year, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’d love to help and look forward to seeing your little one at the “Bird House!”
Yours in excellent dental health,
Dr. Suzanne Bird, your children’s dentist in Charlotte
