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5 Ways to Satisfy Your Child’s Tooth without Inviting Cavities & Decay - Rainbow Hospitals
Nov 30, 2022
Here are some helpful tips to keep your child’s teeth healthy without robbing them of the sweet moments
Are you the kind of mum that has to hide candy under the sofa? Ration cookies like a drill sergeant? Maybe even hide in the balcony to have your (fair) share of Cassata? If you have a child of the sugar-loving variety, satisfying their sweet tooth can seem like a never-ending exercise in oral care (and ice cream restocking). If that’s you, take heart. With a few simple steps, you can take care of your child’s nutrition, shield their teeth from sugary residue and keep cavities at bay.
Brush, brush, brush
First thing’s first: encourage your child to brush regularly. By instilling a sense of discipline, brushing will become an organic part of your child’s routine, operating in virtual autopilot. It’s a good idea to brush after every meal, even if that means cleaning out those pearly whites while at school. Pack a toothbrush and a tiny tube of toothpaste in your child’s bag (whenever school reopens of course), to make a habit of brushing throughout the day.
Switch out the toothbrush (es)
Did you know that the type of toothbrush makes a difference? Well, you do now! You see, a child who loves sweets is more likely to develop a plaque buildup than a child who consumes less sugar. Here’s why—plaque is conducive to a carbohydrate-fueled habitat. A toothbrush with a diamond head and triple action bristles can work wonders in eliminating plaque in hard-to-reach places. An electric toothbrush is also a worthy investment if you have a fussy brusher!
Get a nice-tasting mouthwash
Let’s face it, the adult variants are like death mint tsunamis in your mouth—not something your child will savor as part of a twice-a-day routine. Remember to pick a child-friendly option with fluoride to neutralize the sugary remnants. And when no mouthwash is available, such as when in school, encourage your child to rinse their mouth with some good old water!
Replace sugar with jaggery
One of India’s best-kept secrets is rooted in good reason. Jaggery is the golden food of our ancestors, a delicious, high-iron sweetener without the health-compromising properties of sugar. Get creative with whipping up sweets at home. Homemade chocolate with jaggery, for instance, can be a simple, healthy treat, and equally fun to make and eat!
Pay attention to texture
A caramel-laden chocolate is a surefire way to have a layer of stubborn toffee lingering in your child’s mouth long after the chocolate is over. By opting for sweets that leave less of a residue, you can save yourself from a backbreaking tooth brushing effort later!
Giving your child a taste for sweets doesn’t have to come at a cost. Be sure to schedule regular appointments with your dental child specialist to catch problems early. With a little care, you can give your child the sweet life - both literally and figuratively.
Whether you’re looking to schedule a routine dental checkup, or need advice on pediatric surgery for your child, we have you covered. Book an appointment with a dental care specialist in Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Vijayawada or Chennai today.
Dr.PREETHI V C
MDS Pediatric Dentistry
Rainbow Children's Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
