How To Help Your Children Keep Their Teeth Healthy

The dental health of children is something that often gets overlooked.  Many parents ignore poor dental habits in their little ones as a way to avoid morning and bedtime tantrums.  For other parents, improper brushing is simply not noticed until problems inevitably arise.  At the end of the day, however, it is imperative that parents ensure that their children have healthy teeth.  Dental health is related to whole body health, and a small dental infection could have health consequences later in life.

If you want your children to have healthy teeth, it starts with teaching them proper brushing habits from when they’re big enough to co-ordinate holding a brush.  For very small children always sit with them while they brush and make sure they are not using too much toothpaste, and be very sure they are not eating the paste or swallowing a lot of it.  One great idea is to keep a fun-shaped timer in your bathroom that is set to tell kids how long they have to brush.  Many electric toothbrushes have built in timers that will shut off after the right amount of time.  Ask your dentist to show your kids the best way to brush for healthy teeth, and allow these devices to help them get the timing right.

Another great tip for healthy teeth is to use a product like Inspector Hector, Plaque Detector.  This is a fun colored mouthwash containing edible dye.  The dye is used to show kids where there is still plaque and tartar on teeth.  This will help them see what areas are not being brushed properly and can be a lifesaver when developing better habits for healthy teeth.

Of course, diet also plays a role in the development and maintenance of healthy teeth.  Do what it takes to keep your kids taking in enough vitamins and calcium.  Also make sure you always have a full, fresh fruit-bowl, and plenty of pre-cut veggies in the fridge to stop them snacking on sweets and candy whenever they get hungry. .  With the right diet and the right oral hygiene habits, your kids will have healthy teeth for the rest of their lives.