Studies show that children who practice good oral hygiene throughout the school year are much more likely to have academic success—and they’re also more likely to impress their dentist and ace their next dental exam! And when it comes to preparing your child for their next dental visit, there are many ways you can help. Here are some tips from your dentist in Naperville to get your child ready for their upcoming dental exam so that they pass with flying colors.
Tip #1: Help Them Maintain an Oral Hygiene Routine
One of the best things you can do for your child is encourage a regular oral hygiene routine in which they brush, floss, and rinse on a daily basis. By adopting healthy habits early on, your child is more likely to carry them into adolescence and adulthood. Not to mention, a healthy mouth is less likely to encounter dental emergencies—meaning that your child can remain in the classroom, focused on their education.
Your child might not be fully capable of cleaning their teeth without adult supervision, as they could encounter difficulty brushing hard-to-reach places inside their mouth. It might sometimes be necessary to step in and provide aid. You can also consider implementing a reward-system to encourage your child to continue brushing regularly.
Tip #2: Ensure They’re Drinking Plenty of Water
Water is the absolute best beverage for your body, so you should make sure your little one is drinking plenty of it. Instead of placing a soda or juice box inside of your child’s lunch, consider a refillable thermos with water instead. This will help them to stay hydrated throughout the day, which encourages the natural flow of saliva inside of the mouth. Saliva is vital in the fight against cavity-causing bacteria!
Tip #3: Encourage a Healthy Diet
You should provide your child with healthy food options, including vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, dairy items, leafy greens, and more. It’s fine to include a small sweet or savory snack, but too much sugar and starch can lead to cavities, gum disease, and all sorts of other oral health issues. Though it’s hard to monitor your child’s food choices while they’re at school, you can still encourage them to be food-conscious while packing a nutritious lunch for them.
Children who practice good oral hygiene from an early age can expect positive results and a healthy, beautiful smile as they grow older. By helping them embrace a healthier lifestyle coupled with a regular oral hygiene routine, their dentist will be quite pleased during their next dental exam!
About the Practice
The team at Grand Dental – Naperville is honored to serve patients and families in the area under the leadership of three skilled specialists: Dr. Marcos Montoya, Dr. Paige Wells, and Dr. John Micaletti. Their practice is proud to offer a wide range of available services including preventive, cosmetic, restorative options and more. To schedule a visit, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call at (630) 904-1000.