09/30/2022
THERE ARE A FEW things parents can do to give their kids a great start on a lifetime of healthy smiles. 😃
1. Find a good toothbrush. Look for one with soft, polished (round-ended) bristles. Also make sure the brush is designed for small hands and mouths, and try to replace it every few months or so. A brush with frayed, smashed bristles won’t be as effective!
2. Sealants are excellent for cavity prevention. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends sealants, especially for children who already have a history of tooth decay. Sealants significantly reduce the risk of childhood caries.
3. Cheese and fruit are teeth-friendly snacks. 🍎🧀 Cheese is a great source of calcium and helps to stimulate the salivary glands. Saliva is important for clearing food remnants away and neutralizing harmful acids. Fruit (whole or sliced) is also a great mouth-healthy snack, because the fibers of the fruit help scrub teeth clean.
4. Know what to expect from whitening toothpaste. Parents and teens alike love having pearly white teeth, it’s important to manage expectations. These types of toothpaste contain mild abrasives and polishing agents to remove surface stains, but they can’t do anything about deeper stains.
