While parents obviously want their kids to grow up healthy, it can be hard to resist the urge to let them indulge in some treats. Kids tend to have less impulse control when it comes to sugar, and are more eager to enjoy sweets. While this can be fine in moderation, too much can become a real problem for their oral health. Even in childhood, our dental enamel is strong enough to provide impressive protection against tooth decay, but overexposure to sugar can become a cavity risk. In addition to providing important preventive dental services during pediatric dental exams, your Ankeny, IA dentist can offer your kids important guidance on how they can protect their smile. By doing so, we can encourage them to make smart choices and keep their teeth safe!
Too Much Sugar Can Be An Oral Health Problem At Any Age
At all ages, it is important to be careful about sugar consumption. If you enjoy too many sweets, you end up giving more food to harmful oral bacteria that have gathered on your teeth. In the process of breaking down those sugars, bacteria release acids that can do damage to our enamel, which can build to the point of causing a cavity. With a good oral care routine and a limited consumption of sweets, this problem can be avoided. Unfortunately, younger people in particular can have a harder time recognizing how their habits might put their teeth at risk!
Encouraging Good Habits At Home To Protect Your Child’s Smile
There are several forms of support you can offer in order to protect your child’s smile. One action you can take is to provide them with healthy meals and snacks, and limit how many sweets you tend to have at home. Encouraging kids to develop good eating habits at a young age can have long-term benefits for their oral and general health. You can also encourage kids to take care of their teeth by modeling good habits with your own brushing and flossing. You are not the only one who can help with this, as your dentist can give them guided instructions during their routine appointments.
Make Sure Everyone In Your Family Enjoys Access To Preventive Dental Care
Our dental practice is proud to provide all-ages care, so we can help everyone in your family avoid cavity troubles that require restorative dental work. For kids, we offer helpful instructions as well as cleanings and examinations in a comfortable environment. Our preventive services can also help our adult patients avoid problems with tooth decay and gum disease, which can help them maintain a lovely smile over the years!
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Protecting Your Child’s Smile
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we are proud to provide all-ages care in order to help families keep their teeth in great health. If you have questions about our services, or if you would like to schedule appointments with us, please call our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office today at (515) 965-0230.
