Whitehall Kid’s Dentist Discusses Keeping Enamel Strong

As a parent, one of your many responsibilities includes doing what you can to keep you children healthy. You make sure they get the sleep they need, eat right and have time to play and exercise. Did you also know that there are things you can do to help them have healthy smiles, too? In particular, you need to protect your child’s tooth enamel. Although tooth enamel is the strongest material in the human body, it is attacked daily by the acids produced by oral bacteria. Whitehall kids’ dentist Dr. Mujica would like to offer you a few tips on how you can strengthen your child’s tooth enamel so they are less likely to develop cavities.

Limit Sweet Foods and Drinks

What do the bacteria in your child’s mouth (and yours, too) like to feed on most? Sugar. This sweet and tasty substance feeds oral bacteria, which increases plaque and may eventually lead to cavities. That’s why Whitehall pediatric dentist Dr. Mujica recommends limiting the number of sugary foods and beverages your children have.

Add Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth—you probably know about that. But did you also know that calcium neutralizes those acids that oral bacteria produce? Therefore, calcium strengthens and protects enamels. Try to include at least one dairy food in each of your child’s meals, such as cheese, yogurt or milk. If your child can’t have dairy products then offer almond milk, soybeans and soy yogurt, kale and any canned fish.

Brush and Floss Day and Night

At what age should you start brushing your children’s teeth? Answer: whatever age they are when that first little tooth appears. The sugar in breast milk and formula is capable of feeding bacteria just as much as any other food or beverage. As your child matures and more teeth erupt, brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day are good habits to establish. Until your son or daughter is about seven years old, you should brush and floss their teeth for them to make sure all of the hard-to-reach spots are cleaned. And be sure to use fluoride toothpaste that the ADA seal of approval.

Can’t Brush, Then Rinse

When brushing isn’t possible, teach your child to simply rinse his or her mouth with water for about 30 seconds and then spit. This is a good alternative for removing particles of food after a meal.

Visit Your Whitehall Kids’ Dentist

Last but certainly not least, be sure to schedule dental checkups every six months for your children. Whitehall pediatric dentist Dr. Mujica wants to help you take care of your children’s smiles.