Oral Health Is Vital to Whole-Body Health

Every parent values their child’s health and is always on the lookout for the latest methods in how to keep kids healthy. There are plenty of simple lifestyle changes and other steps you and your child can take to build a solid foundation for lifelong health in terms of both oral care and whole-body health.

Many aspects of your child’s health are closely connected, including their oral health. Making sure that they get the dental care they need to stay healthy can have a major impact on other areas of their health as well.

1. Develop good brushing habits.

Few habits are more important than proper brushing. Your child’s brushing habits play an essential role in preventing tooth decay and other dental problems. Brushing helps remove bacteria and the food residue they eat. These bacteria are responsible for tooth decay and cavities, so regulating them with regular brushing is an absolute must.

Your child should brush their teeth at least twice a day. It’s important to make sure that they’re brushing long enough each time as well, around two minutes. They should also floss at least once daily, ideally right before brushing so that any dislodged food particles are quickly cleaned away.

2. Always drink plenty of water.

Getting plenty of water is one of the most important health tips for kids everywhere. Children should be getting enough water throughout the day as an essential part of maintaining whole-body health. Drinking water regularly can help stave off both the short and long-term effects of dehydration.

Children who drink their fill of water are also less likely to drink other, less healthy beverages. Instead of going with soda or juice for snacks and meals, sticking with clear, clean water can help your child avoid several general and oral health issues. It also sets them up with a great habit to carry into adulthood.

3. Don’t skip breakfast.

It’s easy to think that skipping breakfast is worth it. You’re surely busy in the mornings, and lunch isn’t that far off anyway. However, skipping breakfast isn’t such a healthy habit, particularly for kids. Starting off the day hungry and without energy isn’t setting your kids up for success.

Having a healthy breakfast will ensure that your children have the energy to face their day. Additionally, having a healthy breakfast first thing in the morning helps regulate hunger throughout the day, and your child will be less likely to overindulge in unhealthy snacks to compensate.

4. Don’t miss regular dental checkups.

Your child’s regular dental checkups and cleanings are incredibly important to their whole-body health. Pediatric dental care is most effective when any issues are found early. By bringing your child in for checkups once every six months, starting from age one, you can ensure that they’re getting the best possible care.

Dental cleanings are also vital because they address causes of tooth decay that regular brushing can’t. Plaque and tartar deposits left by bacteria can’t be dealt with by normal brushing. That’s why dental cleanings use special tools to deal with them, preventing them from causing further tooth decay.

5. Try fun physical activities.

Exercise is an essential part of maintaining your child’s health. It’s important to many different areas, including cardiovascular and pulmonary health. One of the best ways to ensure that your child gets enough exercise is to make physical activities fun.

By encouraging physical play, you’re ensuring that your child gets enough exercise on their own accord. Try to find activities that your children truly enjoy. These could be organized sports, riding a bike, visiting a local park, or simply enjoying the outdoors in their own unique way.

6. Limit sugary foods.

Foods high in sugar, like candy and soda, have several negative impacts on your child’s health. They can contribute to obesity and diabetes. They also affect your child’s teeth.

Sticky, sugary foods leave plenty of material for bacteria to feed on. The bacteria then secrete acid that wears away at the teeth, causing tooth decay.

Sticking to healthier alternative snacks can have great benefits for your child. Fruits and vegetables are always a great choice, and their natural water content and texture help keep teeth cleaner. Keeping a good variety of healthy snacks can help get your kids on board with eating healthier.

Your Children’s Dentist Near Prince Frederick

Getting the right pediatric dental care can help your child’s whole-body health. Regular dental checkups and other pediatric dental care are an important part of keeping kids healthy.

We Make Kids Smile is a children’s dentist near Waldorf and Prince Frederick, Maryland, that can provide for all of your child’s dental needs. You can contact us today to book an appointment.

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