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Breath from anyone’s mouth speaks volumes about an individual’s oral hygiene,and so it is very important to keep our mouths and teeth clean.

Children have very delicate teeth, and it would be advisable for any parent to help them carry out good oral care practices that will keep the child safe from tooth decay. Tooth decay can be very painful, because it damages the protective layer of a tooth. This is likely to eventually cause infections that could possibly hinder the normal development of a child’s teeth if not treated on time.

Various oral care practices have been confirmed helpful to children to avoid the consequences of tooth decay. They include:

  • Regular dental check ups. A visit to a dentist with your child from an early age, and at least every six months, is strongly recommended. This helps in spotting problems early and having necessary treatment administered promptly.
  • Good oral hygiene. Every child should have their own brush, and should be encouraged to brush regularly, preferably after every meal, and with the right toothpaste.
  • Sharing utensils with your child ican also a means of transferring bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Therefore you should avoid sharing utensils with your child as well as keeping your own mouth clean and healthy.
  • Healthy diets. Ensure your child takes in proper food which does not contain too much sugar. This includes fruits and vegetables. Other meals should also contain plenty of minerals which help in keeping the teeth healthy. Whole grains, yogurt cheese and milk would do, especially after meals.
  • Molars, which begin developing at the age of five years, are permanent teeth, and are used for chewing, and they are more prone to decay than front teeth. They should therefore be given special attention during brushing and you should possibly ask for a sealant from your dentist to protect the chewing surfaces.
  • Often many parents will prolong the period when a child is supposed to use a feeding bottle, which has been known to cause tooth decay, especially if sugary drinks are used. Is therefore advisable to start weaning the child using a cup at an early age.

 

An English saying has it that prevention is better than cure. Keeping in mind the above dental health tips will help you take care of your child’s gums, mouth and teeth, and in the long run save a lot of money. You should not wait until tooth decay occurs – it is too late then!

Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very  conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.