PARENTS ALREADY HAVE ENOUGH ON THEIR PLATES so our South San Francisco Dentists put together this short list of the top 4 tips for keeping your child's teeth healthy.
1. Find an Effective Toothbrush They Like
It should have soft, polished bristles and be the right size for their hands and mouths, but otherwise, they might like one with their favorite cartoon character on it. Make sure to replace it when the bristles fray, usually about every 4 months.
2. Prevent Cavities With Sealants
Sealants are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, particularly for kids with a history of tooth decay already. They greatly reduce the risk of childhood tooth decay. A study found that more than 40% of kids have tooth decay. It's the most common childhood disease and it's preventable. Until your child's develops a daily habit of brushing and flossing, dental sealants can help protect their teeth.
3. Provide Teeth-Friendly Snacks Like Fruit and Cheese
Whole or sliced fruit is a great mouth-healthy snack because the fibers help scrub the teeth clean. Cheese is a good source of calcium and stimulates saliva production. (We need saliva for neutralizing harmful acids and clearing away food debris.)
4. Educate Teens on Teeth Whitening
Teens can pick up dental misinformation and dangerous trends on social media, especially when it comes to teeth whitening. Ads also show dramatic results from teeth whitening toothpaste that are misleading. Whitening toothpaste only contains abrasives and polishing agents to remove surface stains, not deeper ones or white spots. There are also fads like using lemon juice to whiten teeth, which can damage teeth enamel because of the acidity. A more effective way to keep your teeth white is to limit foods that stain your teeth like coffee, tea and coffee. If they still want a brighter white, we offer teeth whitening options that are affordable and gentle to your teeth and can even strengthen your enamel during treatment.
If it's been more than 6 months since your last visit or your child's, it's time to schedule! With the end of the year approaching, we also want to remind you to use your benefits before they expire! Most plans cover up to 2 cleanings and check-ups a year. Scheduling is easy! You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call or text at (650) 871-1400.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
