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How to Help Your Kids Build Strong Teeth

Michael Wahl • February 4, 2020

While many animal species get three or four or sometimes even limitless sets of teeth, humans just get two. That means by as early as 5 your child may be caring for some of the teeth that need to last them the rest of their lives. But our diets and schedules in the modern era are typically centered around what’s tasty, cheap, and fast. Let’s go over some ways you can help your children protect and build strong teeth that will last well into their golden years.

Nutrition for Building Strong Teeth

A well-balanced diet is important for all aspects of your child’s health. Some micronutrients that are especially important for bone and tooth health are:

  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Vitamin D

Read our blog post on those micronutrients for more specifics about the ideal amount of each based on the age of your child. Some specific foods that offer good micronutrients for dental development while also offering good textures for bone development are:

  • Apples
  • Cheese
  • Leafy Greens
  • Broccoli
  • Celery
  • Sugarless Gum (with Xylitol)

Of course, for many health reasons, avoid sugar whenever possible. Choose drinks and snacks that are not sweetened.

Daily Hygiene

Even before your child has teeth, clean their mouth twice a day. If they don’t have teeth yet, use a warm, damp washcloth to rub and massage their gums gently. If they have teeth, use a toothbrush that fits comfortably in their mouth. Very young children should use fluoride-free toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. As soon as children can follow directions, transition to a fluoride toothpaste and slowly increase the size of the toothpaste to about a pea-size. Use floss at least once a day to dislodge visible food particles and invisible bacteria from around the base of each tooth. Encourage your child to swish and spit an antibacterial mouthwash, fluoride rinse, or both when they are old enough to understand they shouldn’t swallow. Fluoride is essential for young children that are developing their tooth enamel. Check whether your city’s water supply offers fluoride in the water and make sure your child drinks plenty.

Habits that Build Strong Teeth

  • Drink plenty of water. Saliva is made up of 99% water and plays a huge role in defending the mouth against infections.
  • Avoid snacks when possible. It’s best for our teeth to have a chance to strengthen and remineralize throughout the day. Eating and snacking constantly makes it difficult for your teeth to have that chance.
  • Plan bi-annual trips to your dentist as early as your child’s first birthday.
  • If you let them indulge in sticky or sweet foods, make a habit of only offering them immediately after a meal. A this time your child’s mouth is producing more saliva than usual which will help protect the teeth and wash away sugars.
  • After sugary treats or medicines sweetened to go down easier, have your child drink water right away. Then, wait about 30 minutes and then brush your child’s teeth. When teeth are first exposed to sugars it temporarily weakens the enamel. Water can help wash away sugars immediately. Then, after your child’s teeth strengthen back up and remineralize (about 30 minutes), brushing will help remove any stuck-on sugars that would wear on your child’s enamel.
  • Avoid letting your child slowly suck on sugary drinks. This is especially important at night. If you offer your child a sippy cup for overnight drinking it should only have water; never soda, juice, milk, or formula.

We would love to help you protect your children’s developing teeth. If you have any concerns or questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us. West One Family Dental has been helping parents in Colorado Springs care for their children’s teeth for over 30 years.

6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth

By Michael Wahl • September 1, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative?

By Michael Wahl • August 25, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Are you Brushing Too Hard?

By Michael Wahl • August 18, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another

By Michael Wahl • August 11, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

By Michael Wahl • July 28, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue?

By Michael Wahl • July 21, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay?

By Michael Wahl • July 14, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site

By Michael Wahl • July 7, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1

By Michael Wahl • July 1, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean

By Michael Wahl • June 23, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
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