If you are trying to protect your child's oral health, you may feel a bit powerless regarding your little one's dental health habits when he or she is not in your presence. Nevertheless, there are things that you can send with your child as the youngster leaves the house to help encourage good oral health. Here are a few of them:
Sugarless Gum
Most kids love gum and would chew it even if was not good for their oral health. Sugarless gum is available in many palatable varieties, but it does not promote tooth decay. In fact, sugarless gum can help protect the teeth and gums.
As your child chews sugarless gum, the youngster's salivary glands are stimulated to produce more saliva. The clear secretion helps rinse harmful substances from the teeth, such as oral bacteria, plaque and leftover particles of food. It also helps dilute bacterial acid in the mouth that dissolves tooth enamel to incite decay.
Some gum even has antibacterial properties. Gum that includes the natural sweetener, xylitol, helps prevent oral bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Additionally, gum that has cinnamon flavoring can help kill bacteria that are associated with bad breath.
Bottled Water
Thirsty kids will readily sip on a bottle of water. The water helps rinse away food and plaque, and like saliva, it dilutes harmful oral acids. In addition, water helps eliminate dry mouth, which can increase the chance of tooth decay by concentrating bacterial acid in the mouth.
If fluoridated water is sent with your child, it will offer even more benefits. Fluoride coats the surface of your child's teeth and attracts dissolved minerals, such as phosphorous and calcium. When fluoride unites with these minerals, it forms a new tooth material that is more acid-resistant than regular tooth enamel. Thus, the fluoridated water could help lessen your child's chances of developing cavities.
A Toothpick
Although your child is unlikely to brush after meals and snacks when he or she is away from home, the youngster may use a toothpick. The small wooden device can help remove particles of food that have become lodged between your child's teeth after he or she has eaten.
Using a toothpick can help help eliminate cavity-causing substances, and it can remove irritating substances that could result in gum inflammation.
To learn more ways to help protect the health of your child's teeth and gums, visit a pediatric dentist's office like Kilby Family Dentistry.
Share5 July 2016
