Whether you are getting ready to send your kids back to school or deciding to home school for a while longer, they still should have that annual back-to-school checkup. Regular dental checkups for the entire family are the best way to ensure that teeth and gums are in good condition. Preventive care is cheaper in both time and money than waiting until a small problem develops into a larger one.
Preventive Dental Care for Kids
By now, everyone knows that sugary snacks and drinks are bad for teeth. Still, knowledge is not power until it is acted on, and kids can smell sweets from a mile away. So, unless you are a voracious food label reader, you have no idea how much sugar your family is actually consuming.
People who suddenly must go on sugar-free or low sugar diets are often dismayed at the number of staple consumables that contain sugar. Since ingredients are listed on food labels in descending order by weight, when sugar is near the top of the list – nutritionists often say in the top five ingredients – you can be sure there is a lot in the product.
Cutting back on sugar is a critical part of keeping teeth healthy and cavity-free. Proper brushing and flossing, even from an early age, is equally important. The annual checkup can detect cavities while still small, and the professional cleaning helps keep plaque buildup from causing gum disease.
Additionally, your dentist can put Preventative Resin Restorations (permanent sealants) on teeth with deep grooves and fissures to help prevent cavities from forming in these areas. PRR’s keep your child’s teeth healthy for years to come. That saves you time and money.
Eating Healthy and Smart
No matter your lifestyle, eating healthy and smart will keep the teeth and gums in your family at their best. The internet is full of recipes and substitutions that are healthy and tasty, even for kids. When you take control of what you eat, you can eat healthier and better. You get to decide how much sugar is in the sauces and spreads you use. Preparing your own go-to foods cuts down on additives as well as unnecessary sugars. A healthy diet for the family is a money-saver in the long run, and who does not like saving money?
Schedule your back-to-school checkups today. Contact Pine Ridge Dental and let us help you keep your children’s oral health at its best.