Did you know that in the U.S., more than half of all children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth? In addition, kids between 12 and 19 have one or more cavities in their permanent teeth.
The good news is that cavities in kids are preventable, and the first step to prevention is establishing a good dental care routine at home. Your next step is to find an experienced Fallbrook dentist that can take care of all your child’s dental care needs.
Keep reading this guide to learn dental care tips that will help you keep up your child’s dental health routine during the busy school year!
Make Dental Care at Home Fun and Educational
Your child will be more likely to stick to a healthy dental routine at home when you add some fun to the equation.
First, you can try kid-friendly products like a fun toothbrush shaped like their favorite movie character. If your child doesn’t like the taste of mint toothpaste, try toothpaste made for kids and find a flavor they really enjoy.
In addition, make tooth brushing time really shine by playing your child’s favorite songs as they brush their teeth. Better yet, dance with them and brush your teeth too.
During these fun times, the key is to talk to your child about the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day and let them know they’ll have happier and healthier teeth if they do.
Teach Your Kids About Healthy Food Choices
Going back to school is an exciting time for your child, which makes this a good time to really focus on healthy food choices. The foods your child eats are a huge part of their dental care routine.
Discuss how it’s important to eat healthy every day at school, as well as at home. Talk to your children about sugars, processed foods, and drinks and why they’re bad for their teeth. When you pack school lunches, include healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and nuts.
Talk to Your Kids About Regular Dental Appointments
It’s easy for kids to get stressed or overwhelmed at dental appointments, especially during busy school days. So, try to book dental appointments when your child is well rested and has had time to eat a healthy snack or meal beforehand. This way, they’re not walking into a dental appointment hungry, tired, and cranky.
Not only do you need to ensure you schedule regular dental appointments, but you also need to keep them comfortable with seeing the dentist.
A good way to do this is to prepare your child for the visit a few days beforehand. Keep the explanation simple and stay positive about the dentist. You could also show them pictures of a kid’s dentist taking care of other kids online and let them know the dentist is there to help them and keep their teeth healthy.
Have Your Child See a Fallbrook Dentist Today
Now that you have some tips to start the school year off right, your next step is to book an appointment for you and your children.
If you’re looking for a Fallbrook dentist for your children’s dental care, you can turn to Gernot Winkler, D.D.S., for your family’s dental care needs.
We offer general, family,emergency, restorative, and cosmetic dental care services. Our office is comfortable, and our friendly staff will make you feel right at home.
Make sure you contact us today o schedule an appointment!
Gernot Winkler, D.D.S., is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County, including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.