Dental tips to keep your kids' teeth healthy

Find a good pediatric dentist in Atlanta

Clean and healthy teeth are believed to help maintain your overall health, and the key to having healthy teeth is to start good habits when you are young. As a parent, you often need a little help learning the best dental tips to help your children keep their newly formed teeth strong and cavity-free. You probably also know how hard it is to get kids to understand the importance of brushing their teeth. Trust someone who went through it with a few kids already--these tips plus a bit of patience are worth it.

Take your child to regular dental check-ups

Most pediatricians recommend that children start seeing the dentist once a year as soon as they turn 1 year old. Even if your child does not have a lot of teeth, or any teeth at all, it is still important to get that first check-up in after baby's first birthday. It is at this appointment that your dentist will guide you through the important steps to keeping your child's first set of teeth healthy and how to make sure the adult teeth come in without any problems.

Your next step: Find a dentist in Atlanta close to you who accepts your insurance. Make sure the dentist you choose specializes in family or pediatric dentistry.

Set a good example

Children are more likely to want to floss and brush their teeth if they see that you do it too. Try to floss and brush your teeth with your kids at least once a day if possible. While you take care of your teeth, talk about why it is important and how good it makes you feel. Sing songs and make it a fun activity for both of you. This can also make a great bonding opportunity.

Note: Children should only begin brushing their teeth completely on their own when they are able to tie their own shoes or cut their own food. Flossing should begin as soon as the last pairs of molars come in.

Your next step: Schedule a time when you can both brush your teeth together without rushing. Bedtime brushing is a great opportunity to brush your teeth and unwind after a long day together.

Get your children involved

Most children love to feel included in decision-making. It not only makes them feel as though their opinions matter, but they also feel more confident and independent. The same goes for brushing their teeth. Now, that doesn't mean they should decide whether they want to brush their teeth or not. Instead, bring them to the store and let them choose their own toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. If your child is old enough, let them choose their own mouthwash as well. Allowing your children to choose their own products will help make them feel more grown-up and excited about the process.

Your next step: Ask your Atlanta dentist for dental tips on teeth cleaning products for kids. While at the store, pick out a few of the recommended brands and let your kids choose from those. You may also buy a few different types so your children can choose the one they want to use that day.

Limit sugary foods and drinks

While allowing your kids to have some sugary treats every now and then is fine, it's important to make sure they are not getting too much. Children who drink more sugar-filled liquids, especially at night, usually have a greater problem with cavities and softer enamel.

Your next step: Monitor your child's sugar intake, and try to cut them off the sugary stuff at a certain time. If your child complains about their teeth hurting, take them to the dentist to check for cavities.

Encourage kids to keep their mouths clean throughout the day

Even if your kids aren't eating sugar-filled treats throughout the day, food still gets lodged between the teeth and stuck in the small grooves. Sticky foods tend to leave small remnants, especially on the molars. Drinking water during the day will help flush out a lot of the foods. If you can get your kids to also take the time to swish the water around a bit after every meal or snack, it works even better. Older children may also try chewing on sugar-free gum to help get some of the food unstuck.

Your next step: Encourage your children to drink water with every meal and snack. Ask them to try swishing water in their mouths after every snack. Show them how by doing it first, and make silly faces to make it a fun habit.