It is extremely important to take care of your child’s teeth—especially when they are younger. Without proper care, children can develop cavities and more severe oral problems later on. Follow these tips from Dr. Lawrence Kessman to ensure your child has a strong, healthy smile!

Feed your children with foods high in Vitamin D and calcium; this will help to build strong and durable teeth. To clean the teeth, use a toothpaste that contains fluoride; however, be careful not to use too many fluoride products for this can damage their teeth. Clean their teeth at least twice daily with a small brush (pea-sized), and be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush! It is important to clean their teeth twice daily at the same time each day; this will instill a routine as they grow. Try to keep your child’s head still while you brush in a repetitive circular motion. Keep brushing fun for your child and switch up the flavors! You can even get different colored toothpaste to give them something to look forward to when brushing.

Another important step for strong, healthy teeth in your child is to avoid juice. Juices tend to be high in sugar, and it is important not to give a child a sugary treat before putting them to bed. The sugar will sit on their teeth overnight and speed up the tooth decaying process. It is okay for young children to have a small amount of juice, but keep it limited and give it to them during the daytime.

Be knowledgeable about any medications prescribed for your child. At young ages, children are typically given medicine that is high in sugar. These medications are extremely bad for the teeth and contribute to tooth decay. Check with Dr. Lawrence Kessman if you are unsure about a prescribed medication.

Teeth enable us to talk, eat, and perform many other vital life functions. If you are concerned with yours or your child’s teeth, contact Dr. Kessamn at (718) 335-4980 or click here to schedule an appointment.