Connie Kyle’s Blog

Take notes, tired parents! If you’ve all but emptied your bag of tricks to get your little one to brush and floss regularly, there are still a few more cards you can put up your sleeve to help keep smiles cavity-free.

Give these sneaky (yet proven) dental tips a try to preserve your child’s oral health

1. Have teeth coated with dental sealant.

Typically used to prevent tooth decay in permanent teeth, it is now being used more and more by dentists to protect precious baby teeth as well. In as little as a few minutes, a thin, durable barrier can be applied to the pitted surfaces of your child’s teeth to keep harmful bacteria from doing lasting damage. Since sealant is invisible to the unpracticed eye, your child won’t even notice it’s there.

2. Do another round of brushing when your child is asleep.

It can take time for your child to adopt good dental habits, but it doesn’t take long for plaque to do a number on teeth and gums. On days you think your child’s teeth could be cleaner, it can be worthwhile to simply wait until after bedtime for a second, more thorough sweep of the teeth. Waiting until your child is sleeping deeply can minimize the chance of waking him or her while you brush.

3. Keep Xylitol wipes handy for quick late-night cleanings.

Tooth wipes can be a major time-saver late at night when brushing may prove too difficult or inconvenient. If your little one requires nighttime feedings and/or medications, wipe down the teeth afterwards to reduce exposure to harmful sugar or acid overnight. Most varieties use Xylitol, a safe, natural sweetener that inhibits the growth of plaque, but look for ones that are also free of paraben and formaldehyde. (Please note: Xylitol wipes only serve as a dental aid, and should not be regarded as a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.)

 

Read more on… 7 Dental Tips to Protect Your Child’s Smile

Author: John