One essential responsibility parents have is instilling good habits in their children to benefit them over the long haul. For example, we want them always to wear a helmet when on a bicycle or skateboard, keep their phones charged and send thank-you notes to gift-givers. Our job is to ensure they observe these important guidelines or pay the consequences. It's safe to say that we'd all prefer our kids avoid learning things the hard way.
So, when speaking of their oral health care, Dr Kropinak and his team at Telopea Park Dental in Garran want to make good habits as clear-cut as we can. Towards that end, we offer these five healthy habits.
1. Drink Lots of Water
Some research suggests that as many as eight in ten Australians are usually dehydrated, and the related health effects are pronounced. Chronic dehydration is associated with lethargy, headaches and difficulty concentrating. But a side benefit of drinking water is that it naturally washes food debris and accumulations away from your teeth and down your throat. A dry mouth harbours cavity-causing bacteria, while a hydrated one stays clean.
2. Choose Snacks That Boost Teeth
When staying hydrated, you gain double the benefits for your general well-being and oral health. On the food side, here are some healthy snacks that also benefit your children's teeth.
- Celery, apples and carrots — moisture-containing and fibrous, these foods rinse and scour bacteria away from teeth.
- Nuts like cashews and almonds — anti-bacterial qualities and healthy fats
- Cheese, yogurt, milk, and leafy greens — rich in calcium which strengthens tooth enamel
- Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries — high in vitamin C to help your body resist infection and tooth decay from the inside
You may also try chewing sugar-free gum after snacks and meals because this rubs against teeth and stimulates saliva production, which rinses debris away.
3. Try Family Tooth Care Time
Dr Kropinak knows that the family who brushes together can smile together because the best way for kids to learn any skill is by seeing it modelled by their parents. So we suggest everyone brushes their teeth before bed and in the morning together in the same bathroom. You can monitor their technique and ensure they brush for the full recommended two minutes.
4. Minimise Sugary Drinks
Sugar is like jet fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. So when your kids overindulge in energy drinks, soda and juices, they lose the benefits provided by water. In addition, sugar is sticky, and bacteria feed on it, multiplying. This sticky layer becomes the plaque that hardens into calculus and resists any removal by normal means.
5. Make Dental Care Fun!
If you follow the first four guidelines, your child's regular dental checkups can be free from problems and a reason to celebrate. Dr Kropinak and his team enjoy treating children and helping them learn the essentialness of a positive feeling towards their teeth.
Kids' Healthy Dental Habits in Garran
Your kids' teeth are a precious commodity we feel honoured to safeguard. To learn more about ways to help them protect their smiles for a lifetime, we encourage you to consult Dr Kropinak today.