Do you know what the most common chronic pediatric disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cavities remain the most common chronic disease of children between 6 and 19 years old. Many dentists recommend their pediatric patients get sealants which can help prevent cavities before they start.
Help instill a lifetime of good dental hygiene and reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay by following these tips!
- Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
- Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them whole foods, such as vegetables or fruit.
- If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless – Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
- Monitor beverage consumption – Children should make healthy beverage choices such water and low-fat milk.
- Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. – Use a timer to help children remember to brush for 2 minutes.
- Schedule regular dental visits. Everyone should visit the dentist once every 6 months.
Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
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