February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. So now is a great time for the dental team at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry to highlight the importance of good oral health for kids.
In addition to ensuring twice-annual checkups and cleanings, a great oral care routine includes effective at-home care. Here are three tips from the award-winning doctors at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry.
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Start Early With Baby Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene can start even before a child has their first teeth. Naperville’s pediatric dentist recommends wiping baby’s gums with a soft, clean wet washcloth after feeding to prevent bacterial growth. And give baby the chance for a healthy mouth by:
- Not letting them fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice
- Weaning off pacifier use or thumbsucking by the early toddler years
- Avoiding juice
- Rinsing with water after sweet medications
Once first teeth erupt, brush teeth and gums with a baby toothbrush and a rice grain-sized amount of kid-friendly fluoride toothpaste twice a day. When teeth start touching, floss once a day.
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Make Teeth-Brushing Fun
Getting kids excited about their at-home dental routine can be challenging. So the experts at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry have put together this handy downloadable kids’ brushing guide for making teeth time a blast. Find tips for choosing a kid-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, using music to make brushing fly by, and adding apps to make brushing more interactive.
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Eat and Drink For Happy, Healthy Teeth
Foods high in vitamins and minerals and low in sugar are the best bet for strong, healthy teeth. A child’s smile will benefit from a daily diet that includes:
- Brightly colored veggies and fruits for vitamins A, C, and K
- Dairy or dairy alternatives for teeth-strengthening calcium, vitamin D, and protein
- Water for plenty of saliva, building healthy oral tissue, and washing away sugar and food debris
Understandably, enjoying some sugary foods is part of kid life. So after sweet treats, kids can help their oral health by rinsing their mouth with water to wash sticky sugars off their teeth.
About Innovative Pediatric Dentistry
At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, routine dental visits are far from boring. Naperville’s award-winning pediatric dentists go the extra mile to make dental care fun and exciting, setting children up for lifelong oral health. The warm and inviting office, specifically designed with kids in mind, is safe and comfortable from the very first visit.
The doctors at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry are specially trained to care for children’s developing mouths, with tricks and techniques to guarantee kids leave the dentist with a smile on their face.
