Keeping Your Children’s Teeth Healthy

Keeping Your Children’s Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

Chances are your child has visions of candy canes, cookies and desserts daily this time of year. While most things are fine in moderation, here are a few tips for keeping your child’s oral health protected in the coming weeks.

Incorporate dessert into your meal. It’s better to eat sugary treats with your meal as other food has an opportunity to help rinse and wash away left-behind debris.

Have them brush after a sugary treat. If your child is indulging in sweets high in sugar this holiday season, encourage them to brush after each one to avoid plaque buildup.

Beware of candy canes. These hard treats have caused more than a few chipped teeth in their time!

Encourage veggies and cheese. As vegetable and cheese trays are a staple at many holiday gatherings, have your child make room for these teeth-friendly foods on their plate instead of sweets.

Better Oral Health Means Better Overall Health

When you brush your teeth each morning and night, your main reason for doing so is most likely to maintain a healthy smile and to freshen your breath. But have you ever considered how better oral health is linked to improved overall health? Here’s how they’re connected!

Unlike other parts of the body, the mouth is known as a breeding ground for (generally harmless) bacteria. Individuals who don’t brush and floss regularly tend to have more oral infections than those who practise proper oral hygiene.

While these infections may start in your mouth, they can also spread to other areas of your body, including the bloodstream and heart.

Protect your overall health by brushing regularly, flossing daily, replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, avoiding tobacco use and eating a healthy diet. With the New Year approaching, consider making a resolution to better improve your dental hygiene in 2018.

3 Signs It’s Time to Visit Us

While we often preach the importance of regular dental checkups with our team every six months, there are times when you may need to schedule an appointment sooner than later. If you’ve noticed any of the following going on in your mouth, it may be time for a visit.

Swollen, tender, receding or red gums. When gum changes are persistent, it’s often an early sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.

Changes in teeth alignment. Sudden differences in bite can be a result of an injury to the mouth or tumour in the jaw.

Unusual and persistent bad breath. Gum disease and bacterial oral infections are frequent culprits of bad breath.

The takeaway? Listen to your body and mouth. If you’re having oral problems, schedule a visit with us instead of waiting until your next checkup.