Dental Health Tips for Families

Most parents know the importance of oral health in their children’s lives. The looming fear of painful cavities and unwanted tooth loss urges them to comply with mandatory regular dentist visits. However, at Montgomery, family dental care is much more than cavity prevention.

Protecting your oral health is key to ensuring a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life. And luckily, achieving that can be as simple as incorporating some simple but game-changing habits into your family’s routine.

5 Key Habits to Protect Your Family’s Smiles

1. Start Early

Despite great strides in dentistry, one rule remains true: prevention is key to a healthy smile. Studies show that, even with regular brushing habits, one in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities, and considering this to be only a result of bad oral hygiene is wrong.

Children’s enamel is weaker than an adult’s because it's still developing, making cavities a natural occurrence. To reduce the chances of them happening and their consequences, early dental care is crucial. As soon as a child’s first tooth appears, it’s time for their first visit to the dentist.

During this time, we won’t only look for signs of decay but also ensure that all of their teeth are erupting as expected. Besides setting the base for a well-aligned, healthy smile, it will help them get accustomed to dental care and visit the dentist.

2. Seal Off Trouble

Permanent molars come in around age 6, and these are the teeth where tooth decay is most common. Molars tend to have deep crevices where bacteria and food debris can easily accumulate, resulting in decay.

To prevent that, dentists recommend dental sealants, which are protective coatings applied to the back teeth to fill in the pits and fissures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that sealants can drastically lower dental cavities, so don’t underestimate the effectiveness of this treatment!

3. Use Fluoride—But Don’t Overdo It  

The biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. In fact, fluoride can even reverse the effects of tooth decay, eliminating small cavities without the need for fillings or other restorations.

Moreover, fluoride can be incorporated into the enamel of children's permanent teeth as they develop, making them more durable and cavity-resistant from an early age.

To enjoy the benefits of this mineral, check if your drinking water is fluoridated. Otherwise, consult your dentist, who might recommend applying fluoride to your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses also contain fluoride. However, keep track of their fluoride intake: Too much can cause white spots on teeth.

4. Understand the Importance of Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene plays a big role in your children's health. Bad hygiene can foster gum disease, which has been linked with heart disease, diabetes, and immunological diseases over time. Many people believe that gum disease can only affect adults, but in truth, three-fourths of teenagers have gums that bleed, according to the ADHA.

For that reason, teaching the importance of good oral hygiene habits is key. Instruct your kids to brush after every meal for at least two minutes to ensure every tooth is properly cleaned. Moreover, flossing is a must to remove any food debris from between teeth. Bacteria tend to accumulate in these thin spaces.

5. Foster a Healthy Diet

A nutritious diet is crucial for strong teeth and gums at any age. A diet rich in whole foods, such as grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will give you all the required nutrients.  

Additionally, foods rich in omega-3 fats, like those in fish, can lessen inflammation, lowering the risk of gum disease.

Protect Your Family’s Smiles with Montgomery Family Dental Care  

The secret to healthy smiles is no secret. Proper oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist, and a healthy diet are all it takes for a lifetime of good oral health. This will benefit your mouth and your entire body, as you’re protecting a crucial system for your entire health.

The team at Montgomery Dental is here to help you in this process, too. If you’re due to a dental check-up, contact us today!