Dentistry and Oral Health Education

At Healthy Smiles, our goal is to make sure you have all the oral health and dentistry information you need to help your child maintain a healthy smile throughout the year. There’s a lot to learn about teeth, but thankfully there are only a few key things to know to keep them healthy. Below are some tips and resources for you and your family that should help you down the right path to a healthy smile.

Food and Drink

Just as what you put in your body affects your overall health, what you put in your mouth affects your oral health. Your gums and teeth need your help in order to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Most cities now put fluoride in the drinking water. The American Dental Association says that this investment yields around $38 of benefit for every $1 of investment in fluoride. But, in order to receive this benefit, you have to drink water. Soda, juice, and other sugary beverages weaken your teeth and should be consumed rarely if at all. Avoid putting your infant or toddler to bed with a bottle of milk which can cause early tooth decay.

Foods that negatively affect your teeth include candy, pastries, sugary desserts, and anything else too sweet. There’s also a danger from hard candies and other foods that may chip teeth.

Brushing and Flossing

You’ve heard it your entire life, but that’s because it’s so important; brushing your teeth twice a day, or even after every meal, is the first line of defense against allowing food in bacteria to linger in your mouth and begin to decay.

Flossing should also be done daily. It seems to be more often skipped than brushing, but it is no less important. Food stuck in between your teeth begins to rot, then forms plaque and tartar. Not flossing also contributes to gum disease.

For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from the teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water.

Children’s Dentistry Education

The earlier children learn good dental habits, the easier it will be for them to maintain a healthy smile throughout their life. The same education is given to adults about brushing, flossing, and being careful with what one eats and drinks also applies to children.

Our dentists are happy to speak with you and your children about learning how to brush and floss and give other oral health and diet tips that they need to know.