Is your child beginning to develop their first teeth? Are you wondering how you can keep their chompers strong?

Most of us know we should be taking our children to Brentwood Children’s dentistry within six months of their first tooth erupting. This usually happens at around six months of age. And we know that kids should be brushing from a young age.

Yet what else should you be doing to help keep your child’s teeth strong?

Here’s what your pediatric dentist Nashville TN would recommend.

1. Brush With Flouride

Once they get their first tooth, your child should be brushing their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. You can supervise the brushing until kids are about 8 years old and can brush on their own.

Many children’s toothpaste brands contain fluoride, which is important for children’s long-term dental health. It helps to make the outer surface of children’s teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay.

Fluoride may also be present in the municipal water where you live. If it isn’t, your pediatric dentist Franklin TN might recommend purchasing fluoridated water or fluoride drops or tablets.

2. Start Them Flossing

Children with the strongest teeth have learned to begin flossing at least once a day. It helps to get rid of the plaque in between teeth and under the gumline that is one of the leading causes of tooth decay in children. Children should start flossing once their teeth begin growing more tightly together, which usually happens between the ages of two and six.

Flossing at night will help ensure that bacteria and food debris will be gone before kids go to sleep. If your child is hesitant to floss, consider buying flavored flosses made just for kids. You may also want to put on some fun music and make flossing a “game” you play together.

If your child is really averse to flossing, you may want to consider buying a water flosser that uses a steady stream of water to get between teeth. 

3. Rinse After Eating

Another great habit to get into is having your children rinse their mouths out after they eat. It should become such a habit that kids automatically run to the bathroom to rinse after a meal or snack. 

Your child can rinse away food and bacteria with a little water or mouthwash. The latter contains fluoride, which can give kids an extra dose of cavity protection. 

Mouthwash can provide kids with a little extra cleaning and provide them with fresh breath. And today, it comes in a number of kid-friendly flavors like Bubble Gum and Orange.

It’s important to note that using mouthwash doesn’t mean kids don’t have to brush and floss. It just adds a little extra layer of clean to their mouths.

4. Choose a Tooth-Friendly Diet

Strong, healthy teeth also mean choosing foods that are high in vitamins and low in sugar. Too many sugars and starches can eat away tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities.

Foods like chips, sticky candy, and soda should be eaten only on occasion if you want your children’s teeth to be as healthy as possible. Instead, choose a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and lean protein.

Leafy greens, for example, are high in calcium, which strengthens your tooth enamel. Apples provide hydration and fiber, which can help promote good saliva production. 

Celery and carrots are also good sources of fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. Teeth need Vitamin C to help keep the connective tissue in gums healthy and strong. You also need Vitamin A, which can help break down food and clean bacteria from between your teeth.

Lean protein like nuts and poultry contain protein and phosphorous. Your mouth needs protein for jaw and teeth function, as well as bone mineral density. It needs phosphorus for bone protection and remodeling. 

Many dentists strongly recommend dairy products because of their high calcium content. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all foods that kids tend to enjoy. If you want your child’s teeth to be in the best shape possible, make sure they are getting the recommended amount of calcium each day.

Go To The Dentist Twice A Year

Kids need to visit the dentist at least twice a year for optimal oral health. They can deep clean plaque and tartar out of your child’s teeth, making them less likely to develop cavities. 

Your dentist can also take x-rays to catch any smaller tooth decay issues before they start, and check for alignment issues. In addition, your dentist can help encourage your child to develop healthy dental hygiene habits.

If your child is hesitant to go to the dentist, look for a pediatric dentist you can trust in your area. These dentists are specially trained to deal with anxiety in younger patients, and they will make your child’s experience as pleasant as possible. 

A pediatric dentist’s office will have games, murals, and fun toothpaste flavors that will make kids as excited about the dentist as possible. They may even have a small prize for kids to take home at the end. It’s worth it to take the time to find a kid-friendly dentist in your area. 

Brentwood Children’s Dentistry

If your child has begun developing teeth, you’ll want to make sure they brush and floss every day. It’s also time to find Brentwood children’s dentistry you can trust to ensure that your child will have strong teeth for the rest of their lives.

Don’t stop getting smart about your child’s smile now. For qualified pediatric dentists in your area, contact us today.