Grove's Blog
Posts for tag: Kids
One would think that once school let out for the summertime, you and your family could finally take a break from the hustle and bustle of the school year. But as many parents know, that couldn’t be further from the truth, and in many cases, the summer months are just as jam-packed with activities and events as the regular school year.
Vacations and baseball games may have your calendar full, but don’t forget to make time for those important routine appointments, including your child’s back-to-school dental exam. Not only are these check ups an important part of keeping your kid’s teeth healthy and strong, it’s also the law!
Illinois requires all school-aged children in grades K, 2nd and 6th to have a back-to-school exam. For your convenience, Grove can complete these school exams at the same appointment as a dental cleaning. Mark two things off of your summer to-do list by scheduling a routine cleaning and mandatory school exam now!
Visiting the dentist isn’t the only way to keep kids’ teeth healthy.
These tips can help you guide your child toward better oral hygiene this summer:
- Encourage your child to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Children should floss at least once a day.
- Promote a nutritious diet with healthy snack foods such as fresh fruit, veggies, and cheeses.
- Limit high-carbohydrate foods and sugary snacks and drinks that cause tooth decay.
- If your child participates in sports and other recreational activities, make sure they always wear a protective mouthguard.
Appointments fill up fast, so beat the August rush and call to make your child’s back-to-school appointment today.
A baby’s teeth are at risk for tooth decay as soon as they erupt. Prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to sugary liquids is a leading cause of decay.
Once a child reaches his or her first birthday they should know how to drink from a cup to reduce the damaging effects of tooth decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) offers the following tips for choosing a training cup.
- Avoid “no spill” cups. This type of training cup works the same as a baby bottle, requiring the child to suck on the valve rather than learning to sip from the cup.
- Choose training cups with a snap-on or screw-on lid and a spout.
- A cup with two handles and a round, weighted base that helps prevent spills is best for young children or those just learning to sip.
- A small plastic cup filled with only a small amount of liquid may also be used to help teach a child how to sip from a regular drinking cup.
What parents put into the cup is also important. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks, like formula, milk and juices promotes tooth decay. Offer your baby water between meals instead, and limit milk and juices to mealtimes when the mouth produces more saliva. Frequent sips of sugary drinks throughout the day increase the risk for decay.
To prevent injury, it is also important that toddlers just learning how to walk do not play or run around with a training cup. Falling while drinking from a cup may injure the child’s teeth or mouth.
A training cup should only be used temporarily until your child has learned how to sip from a cup. Combined with regular dental visits starting no later than your child’s first birthday, regular brushing and good nutrition, parents can promote good oral health habits that lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Fun costumes, pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating—kid’s love Halloween and the fun-filled festivities it entails. But when a child comes home with a bag full of candy, how can a parent help remind their kids about good oral health and cavity prevention?
Sugary candies can lead to tooth decay. When the sugars found in these treats are notremoved by brushing, bacteria in the mouth will form a colorless, sticky film called plaque. As cavity-causing organisms within plaque feed on sugar, it is turned into acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel, causing decay or better known as cavities.
With a few simple steps, kids can enjoy Halloween treats without jeopardizing their dental health.
- Encourage your child to eat a small amount of candy in one sitting rather than grazing on candy throughout the day.
- Limit hard, chewy candies, such as taffy, lollipops or caramels that stick to the teeth, damage dental work and increase the period of time in which teeth are exposed to sugar.
- Opt for soft candy that can be eaten quickly, such as chocolate.
- Follow candy consumption with a glass of water and thorough tooth brushing.
By paying close attention to your child’s Halloween goodies this year, you can help promote a lifetime of healthier teeth without tossing the entire bag of treats.
And of course, don’t forget to bring your child in to see your Grove dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. This is an important part of your child’s cavity prevention! Regardless of the season, good dental health should remain an important part of your child’s daily routine.
Happy trick-or-treating!
Gum disease may be more common than you think with an estimated 75% of Americans having some form of the disease. More startling are recent studies that have linked gum disease and decay to other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even pregnancy complications.
The good news is that gum disease and tooth decay are completely preventable. No matter what your age, it’s never too early, or late, to learn the fundamentals of good oral hygiene. You’ll benefit from a healthier, more attractive smile and improved general health.
A few helpful reminders for improving your dental habits:
- Brush at least twice a day.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride to keep teeth strong.
- Don’t forget to floss. It’s important for removing plaque from between the teeth and along the gum lines.
- Keep a toothbrush with you at the office. Brushing after lunch is an easy way to keep teeth clean at work.
- Stop smoking—it’s one of the most dangerous oral habits you can acquire.
- Visit your Grove dentist regularly for thorough cleanings and checkups.
Little ones should also learn the importance of good dental habits at an early age. Make good dental habits a priority at home and educate your children to the benefits of a healthy mouth. Now that school is back in full force, remember to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits as a part of your child’s daily routine. Keeping a tooth brush in your child’s back pack is a great way to promote healthy teeth during the school year, especially for kids wearing braces.
The best practices for a healthy smile begin with good dental hygiene. Take the time to brush and floss daily, and visit Grove regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your teeth and body will thank you.
Can you believe it's that time again? Summer always seems to fly and it won't be long until the kids are back to schoo, bringing another fun-filled summer break to a close.
Getting ready for the new school year involves preparation and planning. For many kids, it means new clothes and school supplies. It’s also a great time for parents to reinforce good health habits, including ways to keep teeth looking and feeling their best.
When compiling this year’s back-to-school list, don’t forget to include a new toothbrush! There are many new kid-friendly toothbrushes and toothpastes available that help encourage children to brush regularly. Travel-sized toothbrushes and toothpastes fit easily in backpacks so that kids can brush at school, especially for kids in braces. And while you’re at it, consider getting one for yourself for the work place.
Summertime is also the perfect time to schedule your child’s regular dental exam. You’ll help kick the school year off right and save the hassle of scheduling a visit to the dentist around school hours and busy after-school activities. Give Grove Dental a call today to schedule your child’s exam. Not only is it an Illinois state requirement*, it’s one of the best ways to keep your child healthy and happy.
*Illinois state law requires mandatory dental exams for school-aged children entering Kindergarten, 2nd and 6tth grades.
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- Leading Downers Grove Dentists at Grove Dental Offer Reliable Surgery Options
- Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth: How Soon is Too Soon?
- Grove Dental, Leading Downers Grove Dentist Office, Offers Tooth Extraction and Implants
- Happy New Year from Grove Dental
- Keeping Your Toothbrush Clean
- Whiter Teeth Start at Home
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