We’re into the new school year and just days into the official start of fall.
That means your family’s schedule is going to become more and more hectic. From now until the end of the year, in fact, you’ll likely be busy attending your child’s ballgames, fall festivals and costume parties, and then, believe it or not, headed right into the holiday season.
Our team at Bayou Dental Group wants to make your family’s oral health as easy to maintain as possible, so we’re back with another blog to offer suggestions that will help you do that as we welcome the coming of fall.
Protect Your Family’s Teeth With These Dental Tips!
Here are a few dental tips, courtesy of your Monroe family dentist, to help everyone in your household keep their teeth and gums protected against bacteria, decay, cavities, and gum disease!
*Taking Care Of Your Teeth & Gums*
Daily brushing and flossing will always be our first bit of advice for taking the best care of your teeth and gums.
It’s especially important to instill this habit with your kids at an early age, so as they grow up, good oral hygiene is almost second nature.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, so using a fun timer can help your kids get a sense of the proper timing and technique.
Small plastic flossers are also a good way to get them started because it’s easy for them to maintain a good grip and to make flossing between their teeth a daily, lifelong habit.
*Checking Drink Labels For Hidden Sugars*
Sugar is the biggest threat to your family’s teeth.
You know that, but so do the producers of those fun, fruity juice boxes and sports drinks.
That’s why they like to make claims on their labels, promising the beverage is healthy or all-natural.
But the truth is that fruit juices and other flavored drinks are packed with hidden sugars, so be sure to read labels carefully for alternative names for sugar like:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Glucose
- Sucrose
- Cane sugar
- Fruit juice concentrates
You can limit your child’s consumption of these sugary drinks, as well as encourage them to rinse their mouths with water after they drink them to further combat tooth decay and cavities.
*Snacking The Smart Way*
During the school year, families are as busy as ever, running to and from practices and games, rushing to get dinner on the table, and helping with homework.
If you and the kids are always on the go, it’s easy to pack convenience foods that are highly processed and loaded with refined carbs that break down into sugar.
To make life easier, you and your family can snack the smart way by prepping teeth-friendly foods ahead of time. Take time during the weekend to prepare individually-packaged snacks like baby carrots, celery sticks, almonds, cheese squares, and yogurt.
Nutritious foods that build strong teeth and bones will help prevent tooth decay and cavities and keep your family’s smiles healthy.
*Visiting Your Monroe Family Dentist*
Routine visits to your Monroe family dentist are essential to everyone’s oral health.
Not only can we detect dental problems in their earliest stages, but we can also prevent issues from developing with dental sealants, fluoride varnishes, and even custom mouthguards if you have an athlete in the family gearing up for fall sports!
Schedule Your Family’s Next Appointment!
If you weren’t able to see your Monroe family dentist before school started, go ahead and schedule your next appointment for dental cleanings and exams. We’ll check everyone’s teeth and gums and take steps to prevent and treat any dental problems so that you can enjoy the upcoming season with healthy smiles!
Call Bayou Dental Group today at 318-323-9303 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment in Monroe, LA!
