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We are again at that time of year when students eagerly anticipate reuniting with their friends, and parents are busy shopping for backpacks, notebooks, and uniforms. However, amid this enormous shopping list, let's not forget one key aspect: your child's smile!
Remember, an A+ smile and good health go hand in hand. A straight, bright, and healthy smile can make your child feel confident.
To keep their smile healthy, straight, and strong throughout the year, consider these dental care tips.
Routine Dental Checkups
Many parents believe that if their children and teenagers are not complaining about any dental issues, then routine dental checkups are not necessary. They tend to overlook the fact that children's teeth and jaws are constantly developing, making early dental care essential.
Routine dental checkups help establish good oral hygiene and care habits. These checkups also protect against cavities, gum disease, and misaligned or gaped teeth.
Scheduling a dental appointment before the busy back-to-school season begins is a good idea to boost your childâs morale. By ensuring your childâs teeth are healthy now, you can reduce the need for more extensive dental procedures in the future.
Regular Brushing
Children love sweets and junk food, and these types of food often cause cavities. The main reason is that food particles remain in the teeth for a longer time. Regular brushing is a solution to avoid such issues. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day, especially before bed.
In addition to regular brushing, itâs important to also maintain the toothbrush. Doctors suggest replacing your child's toothbrush every three months, but choosing the right one can be tricky, especially for kids aged 4 to 10.
Here are some simple tips to help you pick the best toothbrush for your childâs needs.
Tooth Brush Size
Considering the size of your childâs mouth is the most important thing. Ensure that the toothbrush head fits the child's mouth, particularly for children aged 4 and 10 when their gums are most sensitive to hard objects. Toothbrushes with big or small heads can cause bleeding gums, in addition to harming oral health. A child who uses the proper-sized toothbrush will feel more comfortable.
Bristle Texture
Choosing a soft bristle brush is very important not only for your baby but also for you. A toothbrush with soft bristles is gentle on your teeth. Therefore, it protects the tooth enamel from erosiondestruction. Using soft brushes reduces the risk of bleeding and discomfort.
Fluoride Toothpaste
To prevent cavities, children of all ages should use fluoride toothpaste, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Fluoride strengthens enamel, making it hard to decay. Regular brushing is essential for dental health.
Flavored Toothpaste
A good flavor can make brushing more enjoyable and encourage consistent behavior in kids. Cavities and gum diseases can be prevented by developing good oral habits such as regular brushing. Choosing toothpaste that appeals to their taste can improve children's dental health.
Pack Smart for Lunch
As a parent, you must prioritize your child's diet. Packing a lunchbox that not only makes them smile but also maintains their health and protects their teeth is challenging.
Children often like food that can be harmful to their health and enamel. Keeping flavor and health in mind, you can include these items in their lunchbox;
- Fruits: Always remember that your child's lunchbox must include at least one fruit, such as grapes, apples, berries, etc.
- Vegetables: As they develop, kids must include at least two vegetables in their meals, either cooked or in the form of a salad, such as carrots, cucumbers, and broccoli.
- Hardboiled eggs: provide a high-protein boost.
- Whole Grain: A piece of whole grain bread provides fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- Dairy: A modest amount of plain Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics.
Say no to sweets
There is no doubt that kids love sodas, candies, and sugary snacks, but these can lead to cavities. To avoid such harm, you can go for other healthy yet sweet alternatives like baked sweet potatoes, peanut butter, homemade energy balls, etc.
Cheese, Please
Cheese is beneficial for your childâs teeth. It neutralizes plaque acid and strengthens enamel. You must add it to your child's meal. Cheddar, Brie, and Camembert cheeses are good for dental health. For plaque removal, you can combine them with leafy greens, apples, and carrots. However, Chips and American cheese should be avoided.
Water bottles are a must
Don't forget to hand your child a water bottle to keep him hydrated all day. Staying hydrated not only improves overall health and enhances skin glow but also keeps your mouth bacteria-free.
Essential Dental Products for Back-to-School: Protect Your Smile
Many school-related activities, such as sports, proms, etc., can change the children's dental routine. Using the right dental products is very important to protect your child's smile and support oral health throughout the year. Here's a quick guide to essential dental products that may be helpful for your child as they go back to school:
Clear Aligners
Misaligned teeth can negatively affect your childâs academic and extracurricular performance. In the past, braces were thought to be the only method to get straight teeth, but thanks to developments in orthodontics, clear aligners are now ruling the field.
Clear braces or aligners are clear plastic dental trays that function similarly to braces. They provide flexible and discreet dental treatment that boosts a child's confidence in social gatherings and at school.
Clear aligners are available for both daytime and night time use. Daytime aligners are worn for 22 hours a day and typically require 4 to 6 months of use. In contrast, nightonly clear aligners are worn for about 10 hours a night and usually require 6 to 8 months.
Mouthguards
When kids join school again, they are more excited to be part of physical activities than studies. Sports mouthguards are saviors for them. They protect your childâs teeth during sports and reduce the risk of dental injuries. In order to get the best result, always opt for a custom-fitted mouthguard, as an ill-fitted one may cause discomfort and gum irritation.
Nightguards
Many children complain of headaches or jaw pain, and the most common cause is teeth grinding. Grinding can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making it difficult to eat and making them more sensitive to hot and cold. To treat this issue, custom night guards are the ideal dental device. They protect teeth from damage caused by grinding while sleeping. Get a nightguard that fits appropriately and meets your child's individual needs.
Retainers
Your child needs retainers to keep their teeth in a new, corrected position after the orthodontic treatment. Custom-fit retainers preserve the outcome of earlier orthodontic work by preventing teeth from moving back into their improper positions. Children can discretely maintain straight teeth with the aid of clear retainers.
Whether you're a teen seeking teeth straightening or a parent seeking the best dental solution for your child, ALIGNERCO provides a range of efficient treatments that are customized to meet your demands.
Convenience is the main focus of our simplified ordering process.
Just make your purchase, and we'll deliver an impression kit right to your door. Make a dental imprint. Our dental professionals will create a plan for you if you email it back to us. You will receive your custom-fit dental appliance after you provide your approval. You will benefit from our tracking app as your therapy progresses.
FAQs
1: Does wearing aligners hurt, especially for teens?
When teens start wearing aligners, they might feel some minor discomfort because the aligners apply precise pressure to move the teeth. While it's not usually painful, the initial discomfort might last a few days. After that, it's generally much more comfortable as you get used to wearing them.
2: How old your teen should be to get clear aligner treatment?
The minimum age required is 13 or your teen has erupted molars.
3: What if your teen has baby teeth?
Aligner treatment can only move permanent teeth. If your teens still have baby teeth, they can get the aligner treatment and we will require an x-ray to identify which teeth are baby.
