Since schools have shut down and parks have closed in the name of COVID-19, your little one has been spending a lot more time at home. While this time is a welcomed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, unsupervised, poor dental habits can lead to several dental issues. To prevent their quarantine activities from turning into fall cavities, your pediatric dentist in Cumming is sharing five tips for keeping their smiles healthy.
Tip #1: Make Sure They Brush Morning and Night
Between new school schedules and different work hours, your previous oral hygiene routine has likely been thrown out the window. However, it is of the utmost importance that your little one continues to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day. That way, stubborn plaque and food particles don’t have a chance to build up, irritate their gums, or leave their teeth vulnerable to cavities.
Tip #2: Conserve Their Toothpaste
As an adult, you probably don’t think twice about the amount of toothpaste you use before brushing your teeth. However, your child only needs a pea-sized amount to give their pearly whites a proper clean. While it may be fun for them to squeeze out the tube, this can lead to unnecessary trips to the grocery store that increase your risk of exposure. Therefore, make sure to keep an eye on the amount of toothpaste they are using.
Tip #3: Keep Snacks Out of Sight
For decades, dentists have warned parents about the dangerous effects of frequent snacking and sugary foods. Although it is okay for your child to indulge now and again, it is of the utmost importance that it doesn’t become a habit that leaves their teeth vulnerable to tooth decay, cavities, and cracks. To prevent dental damage, make sure to keep snacks out of your child’s line of sight.
Tip #4: Set a Good Example
Getting your child to take their oral hygiene routine seriously can be a battle. One of the best ways to reinforce great habits and nudge them in the right direction is by setting a good example. By participating in their dental care regimen with them, it can become a family activity that instills the importance of keeping their teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Tip #5: Track Healthy Habits
Setting and achieving healthy goals is an important skill that can help your child succeed in all areas of life. By keeping track of their healthy habits, your child can visualize their progress. Plus, incentivizing the process with a desirable reward at the end can give them the motivation they need to stay on track!
As a parent, few things light up your world like your child’s smile. To ensure their teeth stay in pristine condition throughout the pandemic, it is important to use the above five tips. That way, they can go to their next visit with a cavity-free smile!
About the Author
After obtaining her undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan earned her dental doctorate from Temple University. From there, she achieved her Orthodontic Certification and Master’s in Biomedical Science. Today, she serves as the Vice President of the Georgia Association of Orthodontists and also is a member of multiple prestigious organizations. If you would like additional tips on keeping your child’s smile in pristine condition, don’t hesitate to contact her through her website or by phone at 678-456-5572.