January 26, 2015
Dental care for kids is essential towards their growth, development and overall well-being. Our pediatric dentistry services will help leave a positive impression on your child for years to come.
We understand that as parents, it’s important to you that your tweens take good care of their teeth. However, we also know that you probably think that would be a challenge. If they’re doing it for themselves, these changes will be intrinsically-motivated, resulting in lifelong good dental habits. Ongoing dental cleanings and exams will continue to ensure any potential issues are addressed to keep their smile everlasting.
Brush Twice a Day for At Least 2 Minutes Each Time
Sure, this seems tedious, but making this a fun, regular routine is bound to help. Listening to a song will not only help to pass the time, but also serves as a timer – when the song ends, stop brushing!
Floss on a Regular Basis
Part of growing up means attending to those types of activities that don’t sound particularly appealing. We understand that flossing can be one of those things, but it helps to remove the hard to reach food particles that brushing alone cannot, improving not only the appearance of teeth, but oral hygiene overall!
Drink Lots of Water
We know kids don’t have time to brush their teeth after lunch in the cafeteria. So instead, they can swig some water around in their mouth for about 15 seconds. This will remove bacteria from teeth, resulting in fresher breath.
Limit Sugary Snacks
Treats once in a while are fine. However, the main source of calories shouldn’t come from sugar-laden sweets and sodas. Sugar results in the formation of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay. We recommend that instead of eating sugary snacks, reach for cheese instead—it’s considered a “dental superstar” because it lessens the effects of sugary foods on teeth while also strengthening them.
A Note to Teens
Knowing that this is a time when it’s difficult to know who your friends are from one day to the next, we’d like you to believe that a great-looking smile is a worthy goal. A beautiful smile will increase your self-confidence, making it easier to ignore some of the problems you face with your peers. And while we don’t recommend worrying over your appearance, we do know that self-confidence is a great quality to develop and will make your awkward years—as adults tend to call them—much easier.
Ready to schedule an appointment with Akron Smile? Reach out to us online, or give our dental team a call or text to discuss next steps for improving dental care for teens.