As you’re enjoying the summer with your family, oral healthcare probably isn’t on the forefront of your mind. However, there are a few simple tips that can help keep you and your kids cavity-free.
Brush twice a day, floss daily.
The most basic step to keeping a healthy smile and preventing oral issues is to maintain a good oral health routine. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing (at least) once a day. Help your child establish a healthy oral care routine by supervising brushing in the beginning, making sure that they brush for two minutes at a time. When flossing, make sure that they reach the tough-to-reach areas of their teeth. Once you’re sure that good habits have been established, kids can fly solo. If good habits are established at a young age, there’s a good chance that they’ll be carried into all ages, which can go a long way in preventing cavities and other dental issues.
Drink more water.
You probably already know that water is the healthiest drink for your body, but it’s also very healthy for your teeth. Drinking water helps wash away food debris that can potentially be harmful to teeth enamel. Another benefit to drinking water is that it is sugar-free. It’s commonly known that sugar is a big culprit in causing cavities, so eliminating sugary drinks plays a big part in keeping teeth healthy.
Enjoy a healthy diet.
The food that you eat nourishes not just your body but affects your oral health as well. Carrots, apples, and celery are high-fiber foods that have the added benefit of being able to scrub away plaque buildup. The fibrous content helps keep teeth clean and strengthens tooth enamel. It’s a good idea to include as many fruits and vegetables in your family’s diet as possible.
Schedule a dental appointment.
Summer vacation is a great time to schedule a dentist appointment for your family. This is an important step in keeping teeth healthy as it’s the opportunity to catch any issues as they develop as well as to get a thorough teeth cleaning.