The dental offices of Lembo-Montgomery Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Mooresville, NC are accepting candy donations to send to servicemen and women overseas. During the week of November 4th- 7th, drop into our office and donate candy. Monday and Wednesday of that week you can drop it off from 9-11. On Tuesday and Thursday we accept donations from 2-4:30.
Here comes Halloween! It seems like the next few months are occupied with eating with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas! All those treats and family gatherings can really take a toll on a child’s teeth if they aren’t cared for properly. Here are some tips on how to keep your child’s teeth spot-free, healthy and shiny even while enjoying some Halloween candy.
1. Eat Sweets With Meals
When a person is eating their mouth naturally secrets more saliva. So, allow your child (or you) to enjoy a treat or dessert after a meal while the saliva in the mouth is still high. The saliva will help wash away sugars and acids.
2. Drink More Water
Everyone knows that water is essential to overall health but it is also beneficial for dental health. Drinking a glass of water after a sugary treat can help wash off the sugars from the teeth. The longer they sit on the teeth the more damage they can do. So it is best to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
3. Brush Twice a day (or more)
The best times to brush are naturally after breakfast and before bed. Two minutes of brushing is ideal. Children will need supervision when brushing until the age of 7-8 to insure they brush correctly. Children under that age do not have the physical dexterity in their hands to brush properly. About the time they can tie their shoes or write in cursive, they should be able to handle a toothbrush and be able to brush all surfaces of their teeth.
4. Eat Less Snacks
It was said by the president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Warren Bill, that dental health is children is not only what they are eating but also how often they eat. Snaking more than 3 times a day has an adverse effect on teeth. Ideally, children would brush after every snack but if they can’t have them swish water around their mouth to remove some of the sugars.
5. Choose Candy Alternatives
Consider having your child trade in their candy for other things such as videos, toys, books or a special outing. You could also donate to a shelter or a soup kitchen. Donating candy will also teach children moderation when it comes to candy consumption.
You could also choose to hand out candy alternatives to the kids who trick or treat at your house. Sugar-free gums and chocolates offer a better choice as well as non-edible treats such as fake tattoos or Halloween printed pencils and erasers. Swing by any store and you can find Halloween themed toys such as spider rings, vampire teeth, straws, bookmarks and bubbles. You could even choose to give out toothbrushes and some floss!
6. Choose the Right Brush
Soft rounded bristles are best when it comes to children’s toothbrushes. They are less abrasive and gentle on children’s sensitive gums. Also, be sure the handle is the appropriate size for little hands. Usually the packaging will denote the age the brush is intended for. However, if you are unsure of which toothbrush you should choose, ask your child’s pediatric dentist.
7. Take your Child to a Pediatric Dentist Regularly
Children’s dental needs are different than adult’s dental needs. So it is recommended that you take your child to a dentist that specializes in pediatric dentistry. Many dentist are family dentist because they can treat the whole family; from infant up. This might be a good choice for a family with young children because the whole family can visit the same dentist.
Getting routine dental care is essential in teaching your child the importance of taking care of the teeth. A dentist can find and care for problems before they become too extensive. Early dental care staves off serious problems in the future.
If you are seeking a pediatric dentist or a family dentist, we would be glad to have you join us. The doctors at Lembo-Montgomery Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are now accepting new patients. Call now and schedule and appointment.
(704) 660-1120