The summer holidays are fast approaching and what better time to book your child’s dental check-up. If your child is due a check-up or you’re looking for ways to boost their oral health and ensure you keep decay firmly at bay, we are here to help. Here are some simple tips to help you look after your child’s oral health this summer:
Brushing up on oral hygiene at home
Brushing is so important because it helps to clear away harmful bacteria and bits of leftover food, which can combine with saliva to form plaque if left in the mouth. Plaque is the leading cause of decay and regular brushing can dramatically reduce the risk of cavities. Ideally, children should be encouraged to brush twice a day from a very early age.
We know that brushing can be a bit of a battle for many parents and we recommend using children’s oral hygiene products, such as flavoured fluoride toothpaste and brightly coloured brushes, making up games based on brushing and brushing together as a family. If you are one of the many parents that struggle to make their children brush for long enough, why not challenge your child to brush along to their favourite song from start to finish?
Making healthy food choices
Summer holidays are synonymous with sweet treats, barbeques and holidays abroad and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food and a relaxing time together as a family. However, we encourage you to spare a thought for your child’s teeth. Try to promote healthy eating, get kids involved with making healthy snacks and dishes and make sure that sweet foods such as cakes, sweets and biscuits are treats, rather than staples. Be wary of products that are marketed as healthy alternatives to fizzy pop, such as juices and smoothies, as these sometimes contain as much sugar as fizzy drinks. Encourage children to drink plenty of water and milk, which is a good source of calcium.
Dental visits
The summer holidays are an ideal time to get routine dental checks in without children having to miss valuable classroom time, so why not call us today and book your child’s check-up? We are happy to offer family appointments as well as individual check-ups. Just ask our friendly reception team for more information.
Tags: Children's dental health Central Leeds, children's oral heath Leeds, Children's teeth Leeds, Dental hygiene Central Leeds
