How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth and Avoid Dental Emergencies

Nobody wants to encounter a dental emergency, especially not for their child. They never happen at a convenient time and can cause a lot of pain. Fortunately, there are many preventive measures that can be taken to maintain your children’s healthy smiles and reduce their risk of needed urgent dental care. Continue reading to learn some tips from your emergency dentist to help your kids avoid dental urgencies.

Set Up an Oral Hygiene Routine

Children of all ages need to have an oral hygiene routine. Even before the baby teeth grow in, it’s important to wipe their gums with a soft washcloth after feeling to remove bacteria. Once the teeth start to grow in, brush them using a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

When children get older, they can start brushing on their own with parental supervision. It’s important that they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and brush for two minutes, twice a day. Start flossing as soon as the teeth touch.

When permanent teeth begin to come in, it is crucial to maintain a daily dental hygiene routine to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Always remind your children of the importance of a healthy smile!

Teeth Are Not Tools

Even though it may not seem like a big deal if your child uses their teeth to open a stubborn wrapper, doing so can lead to dental emergencies like cracked, chipped, and broken teeth. Ultimately, teeth are made for chewing food, not for opening packaging. Remind your kids that their teeth are not tools and should not be used as such.

Wear a Mouthguard

If your child spends a lot of time staying active, that’s great! Plenty of exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. The only problem is that it can be risky for their teeth. Ask your dentist about a custom-made mouthguard. This way, they can continue to have fun participating in contact sports without having to worry about potential injuries to their smile.

Choose Healthy Foods and Beverages

An occasional sugary treat doesn’t usually hurt, but constantly snacking on starchy foods or sipping on colorful sports drinks leads to tooth decay and other issues. Save sugary drinks and snacks for occasions. Instead, stock up on healthy foods that your kids can eat throughout the day. Try celery, baby carrots, sliced apples, cheese, or yogurt. Water is the best thing that you and your family can drink to stay hydrated.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Bring your kids to the dentist every six months for cleanings. Your children’s dentist is trained to catch signs of tooth decay and other issues early on. Getting into this habit when your kids are young helps to ensure that they will have strong teeth for years to come.

No matter how busy your child’s schedule is, there’s always room to take care of their teeth. Try some of these tips in order to avoid the chance of encountering a dental emergency and to keep their smiles healthy and happy!

About the Author

Dr. Jayme Martinez is a pediatric dentist located in Oak Cliff, TX. He earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Society. If you are encountering a dental emergency, Dr. Martinez at Kessler Park Dental would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (214) 303-9969.