As a parent, nothing lights up your world quite like your child’s smile. Whether it’s from a new toy, their first taste of ice cream, or sliding down the big slide, seeing their little teeth paired with the sparkle in their eye is a recipe for a melted heart. To keep their grin in tip-top shape, it is important to practice proper prevention. Otherwise, they could experience a dental emergency, like a knocked out, chipped, or cracked tooth. Read on for dentist-recommended tactics to protect your child’s teeth.
Limit Sugary Drinks
For decades, parents have been warned of the dangers of frequent soda consumption. While this sugary beverage is the culprit of tooth decay and cavities alike, other common drinks can wreak just as much havoc on your child’s teeth. For example, sports drinks, which are often marketed to active kids, contain up to 14 teaspoons of sugar! Other beverages to be aware of are lemonade, energy drinks, and sparkling water with added sugar.
Avoid Bad Dental Habits
While your child’s teeth are designed to withstand the pressure of breaking down their food to aid the digestion process, they are not designed to undergo the immense wear that bad dental habits cause. Often, children chew their pen caps or nails when they feel stressed or uncertain. While this may provide relief in the moment, it can leave their teeth vulnerable to damage. Therefore, make sure to intervene when you see these habits surface to prevent them from resulting in a dental emergency.
Prioritize a Proper Oral Care Routine
Getting your child to properly brush and floss can be a chore. However, it is of the utmost importance that you are diligent about their oral care routine. If it is overlooked, it can lead to severe tooth decay, cavities, and infection. To prevent this from happening to your child, set a good example by participating in their dental hygiene routine with them. Plus, you can read books together that showcase their favorite characters brushing and flossing their teeth to guide them in the right direction.
Purchase a Mouthguard for Sports-Related Activities
Did you know 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in sports-related activities? Yikes! This experience can be painful and traumatic for your child, so practice proper prevention by purchasing a mouthguard. While a one-size-fits-all mouthguard can help protect their teeth, opting for a custom one from your dentist will provide them the maximum level of protection.
Keeping your little one protected is one of your biggest jobs as a parent. Although accidents can happen, practicing proper prevention can protect your child’s smile by keeping it strong and healthy from the inside-out!
About the Practice
By combining the latest technology and the exemplary service they are known for, Advanced Smile Design has built a reputation for delivering world-class care that is second to none. Dr. Krunal Patel, Dr. Barry Isdaner, and their entire staff are united by their mission to provide patients with a comprehensive array of services all under one roof. If you need an emergency dentist, please visit their website or give them a call at 215-659-3334.
