With 2022 quickly approaching, your child may be gearing up to tackle some of their New Year’s Resolutions. While their list might look vastly different than yours, one thing you should make sure is included on their list is to improve the health of their teeth and gums. Because oral hygiene is unlikely to be at the forefront of their minds, a Garland pediatric dentist is here to provide three unique declarations your child can make that will have them seeing a healthier, more beautiful smile this year.
Incorporate More Water
If your child is like most, they love sodas and fruit juices. Unfortunately, the sugar content found in these drinks puts their teeth at risk for serious cavities. To keep your child from enduring the discomfort that can come with tooth decay and to minimize the chances of spending your money on their necessary dental fillings, make sure they are drinking plenty of water. Not only will it keep them hydrated, but it will encourage saliva production, which helps to neutralize harmful acids that break down tooth enamel.
Protect Their Smile with a Customized Mouthguard
Sports are a great way for kids to stay active. They’re also a haven for potential dental emergencies. To avoid chipped, cracked, broken, and knocked-out teeth, make sure your little one is equipped with the right mouth protection. Talking to a pediatric dentist about a customized sportsguard can be one of the greatest investments you can make for your child. Serving as a barrier of protection against hard-hitting tackles, sudden falls, and even spiked volleyballs, the oral appliance absorbs the impact and spreads it out, so it is not impacting just one or two teeth directly. As a result, your child can spend more time playing their favorite sport avoiding the emergency dentist.
Make Oral Hygiene Routines Fun
Depending on the age of your child, this one may be a bit more difficult. However, if you are still overseeing their morning and nighttime routines, why not add a little fun? Whether it is joining them in the bathroom to brush and floss together or turning on some music, you and your family can make this an enjoyable time together. You can also find exciting games on your phone that will challenge your child to brush for a full two minutes. You may discover it is helpful to offer rewards if your little one flosses every day for one week (just make sure you don’t give them candy)! No matter how you choose to jazz up their regimes, make sure their teeth and gums are completely clean in the end.
These are just a few of the many New Year’s Resolutions for kids in Garland. If you want additional tips, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s pediatric dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Preece is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree at The Ohio State University. He and his colleagues at The Dental Specialists are dedicated to providing exceptional service, compassionate care, and a fun and exciting environment for all visitors. With 2022 right around the corner, why not let our team provide you and your child with special tips to make this year’s smile better than ever? Visit our website or call (972) 309-9992 to find out which dental-friendly resolutions can ensure optimal oral health year-round.