Casey Haslem: The ABCs of dental health (30 Days, 30 Voices)

by Casey Haslem

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”Brushing twice a day and flossing on a regular basis is key to optimal dental health.”

Even before babies sprout actual teeth, dental health is important. Many parents are not aware, but a baby’s mouth should be wiped out after each feeding to keep their mouth and gums healthy. As soon as children become old enough to take dental care into their own hands, here are five things they should know:

1. Brush and Floss

Brushing twice a day and flossing on a regular basis is key to optimal dental health. Getting rid of any debris that can hide between teeth before going to bed is a great way to prevent cavities. Letting sugars and food particles stay in the mouth overnight only encourages tooth decay.

2. Drink Lots of Water

Water helps to rinse the mouth throughout the day, which keeps plaque from building on teeth. A majority of the human body is made of water, so it is important to stay hydrated to keep all of the body’s normal processes working.

3. Eat Healthy, Low Sugar Foods

Nothing is more detrimental to a child’s teeth than sugar. And these days, sugar is packed into almost every snack and juice drink marketed to children. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is recommended over a diet consisting mostly of packaged and processed foods. This will help build strong teeth and bones in general, according to a Toronto dentist, in addition to preventing cavities.

4. No Sharing

If someone offers your child a drink from their cup, the use of their lip balm, or anything else along those lines, your child should be taught how to politely refuse. Sharing items that have been in or near another person’s mouth can spread disease instantly. Some diseases which spread orally never go away. Children should be taught to stand up for themselves in situations where they may be asked to share.

5. Visit The Dentist

Children should have a routine dental cleaning twice a year. This is a big part of dental health because a dentist can help to prevent problems before they arise. Dentists use X-rays to monitor things like structural changes. Fluoride and other sealants can be put on by dentists to help protect teeth.

Parents have a large role to play in the quality of their children’s dental health. As a child gets older, they will take on that role more independently, so it is important to set them up for success by practising these 5 habits from the beginning. Most importantly, be a positive role model and exhibit these habits in your own life.

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Casey Haslem is a 25 year old writer. Her hobbies are reading, painting and pretending she knows how to write a book. She loves meeting people and making new friends. Writing opens up a whole world of new ideas and possibilities for her.

30 Days 30 Voices series is an opportunity for young Nigerians from across the world to share their stories and experiences – creating a meeting point where our common humanity is explored.

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

 

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