Skip to main content

How to Ensure Your Child’s Healthy Teeth

children health, flouride, houston, trident dental, National Children’s Dental Health Month

Even though February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, you should be helping your children take care of their teeth all year long. Read on to learn five tips you can use to instill good dental hygiene habits in your children. And for all your dental needs, make sure you see the friendly dental team at Trident Dental in Houston.

1. Start good habits early

Even before your children’s teeth emerge, you can take care of their gums by gently washing them with a soft cloth. Then as their teeth appear, you can gently brush them and teach your children how to take care of their teeth. As they get older and their teeth develop, you can let them brush and then add flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. You can reward them with fun toothbrushes, special toothpaste, and dental hygiene products that feature their favorite characters.

2. Be a role model

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Keep a kid-friendly timer in the bathroom, and brush your teeth with your children. You can show them how you floss your teeth, and you can help them use floss themselves. You can even make it a game to remove the germs or “bugs” in their mouths.

Also, it’s important to show your children that going to the dentist isn’t scary or painful. Even if you get a little nervous about going to the dentist yourself, put on a brave face and demonstrate that taking care of your teeth is an important thing to do.

3. Limit sugary foods

The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar, and even with the best dental hygiene habits, you and your children may end up with too much bacteria on your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. If you limit sugary foods, you’ll also reduce the food supply for the bacteria in your mouth.

4. Get enough fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that is added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and your drinking water. Fluoride hardens your tooth enamel, which makes it more resistant to decay and cavities. Most of the tap water in Houston is fluoridated, but if you want to make sure your family is getting enough to protect your teeth, talk to your dentist.

5. Have regular appointments with a pediatric dentist

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are an essential part of preventive dental care. You can bring your children to the friendly dentists at Trident Dental when their first teeth erupt.

Starting dental visits early will allow your child to develop a relationship with the dentists and hygienists at Trident Dental, so they will know who they’re going to see and what to expect when they have an appointment.

The dentists can monitor your children’s dental development and provide advice on brushing, flossing, and orthodontic care. Routine checkups will also allow the dentists to spot decay or other problems early.

To get top-notch dental care for your family, book an appointment online or over the phone with Trident Dental today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Gum disease may not be the first health concern you associate with diabetes, but it’s a significant one. Having sub-optimal diabetes sugar levels can triple your risk of developing gum disease. Conversely, gum disease can cause inflammation, increasing you

5 Signs of a TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorders are painful conditions that affect the two joints responsible for movements like yawning, speaking, and chewing. Read on to learn the signs of TMD and how to prevent and treat it.
Have a Cracked Tooth? Here's What You Need to Know

Have a Cracked Tooth? Here's What You Need to Know

A cracked tooth may be small and nothing to worry about. Other times, immediate dental treatment is necessary. But don’t guess; always have a board-certified dentist evaluate the damage. Read on to learn why.
5 Reasons Your Child Should Get Dental Sealants

5 Reasons Your Child Should Get Dental Sealants

Children don’t always brush or floss their teeth well despite your best efforts. In the fight against cavities and tooth decay, dental sealants offer an extra layer of protection. The procedure is simple, quick, safe — and effective.
The Importance of Regular Dental X-rays

The Importance of Regular Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays have entered a new era. Film is old technology; digital X-rays allow your dentist to see what’s going on beneath your teeth and gums. That’s critical information for your oral health.

What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign® Correct?

If you’re eager for a better-aligned smile but not up for months of sporting a mouthful of metal, Invisalign® could be the answer. Read on to learn the common smile flaws these clear plastic aligners can discreetly fix.