With Halloween having just passed, and Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other winter holidays right around the corner, you may be wondering about all the sugary snacks your child has been consuming. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a sweet snack from time to time, an abundance of sugar could lead to cavities and other problems for your little one’s smile. In today’s blog, your team at Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, is here with a few tips on keeping your child’s smile cavity-free as we head into the holiday season.
Practice Healthy Habits At Home
Perhaps one of the best things you can do for yourself, and your kids, is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. As a general rule, you should brush and floss at least twice a day. If your frequently snack throughout the day, you may need to do this more often. Remember to also stay hydrated! Drinking water can help rinse out food particles and prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and turning into cavities. If your little one struggles with brushing their teeth, try to make the task more exciting by playing a song or doing it alongside them. During holiday festivities where you may be around a lot of sugar snacks, try having them eat a healthier meal before they enjoy a piece of candy or dessert. We want you to enjoy your holiday but remember to enjoy it in moderation.
Bring Your Family In For A Checkup
Dental checkups should take place twice a year for your whole family. During this visit, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned by one of our skilled hygienist. This step helps in removing plaque that may build up on the surface and can’t be removed by your toothbrush. After your cleaning, your dentist will thoroughly examine your smile for signs of cavities, gingivitis, oral cancer, and more. If you have noticed any changes in your smile, this is a great time to ask about these changes. Your little one can start seeing the dentist regularly around age three, and these visits should continue throughout adulthood. Your dentist can update your treatment plan after your examination. If you have not had your second checkup of the year, remember to have this done before the end of the year.
Don’t Put Off Restorative Treatments
If you or your child have a cavity or other oral health concerns, these should be treated as soon as possible. Cavities can be treated with a simple restoration called a dental filling. The decayed part of the tooth is gently removed and cleaned before a new material is added in its place. Fillings protect the tooth from worsening decay and look natural.
Schedule An Appointment With Cedar West Dental
Bring your whole family in for their checkup! To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, call Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at 612-861-7188.
