There are numerous positive effects of maintaining healthy oral hygiene: a whiter, more beautiful smile, improved confidence, less time spent in the dental chair, and reduced risk of gum disease to name a few. By teaching your children to take care of their teeth today, they can enjoy a bright smile for a lifetime. You can start by explaining a few dental care tips everyone needs to know.

3 Dental Care Tips for a Healthy Smile

1. Regular Brushing & Flossing

Most parents remind their children to brush twice per day, but many forget about flossing. Don’t make the mistake of letting your little one slack on this nightly task. While brushing for at least two minutes twice a day helps remove bacteria and plaque that cause tooth decay, flossing helps eliminates this harmful material between the teeth and gums. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and a host of other oral issues.

2. Healthy Diet

What you eat affects the health of your whole body — including your teeth. When you consume sodas and low-nutrient snacks, these empty calories and acidic, sugary ingredients make you sluggish, erode enamel, and cause cavities. It’s OK to treat your child to a sweet treat every now and again, but try to limit it to special occasions to avoid negative health consequences.

3. Routine Dentist Visits

Teach your child about the importance of biannual teeth cleanings, and talk about it in a positive way so they don’t get anxious about their visits. The pediatric dentist will cleanse their teeth of bacteria, plaque, and tartar to make sure both their current baby teeth and future adult teeth are as healthy as possible.

To learn more about oral hygiene tips you can teach your child or schedule an appointment, contact the team at La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry. The Wisconsin practice emphasizes that the quality and consistency of your child’s dental care today will impact the health of their smile down the road. Schedule an appointment by calling (608) 782-4054. For more information, check out the practice’s website.