It can be more challenging for kids with chronic health conditions to care for their teeth properly, as they may be more prone to cavities and other oral health concerns, but your Swampscott dentist can help. By implementing useful tips from your Swampscott dentist, you can minimize the risk of developing oral health issues, regardless of the condition of your overall health.
Insights from your Swampscott dentist
There are certain things every parent of a child with a chronic health condition should do to ensure the condition does not affect their oral health. The following are seven tips from your Swampscott dentist on how to help your child maintain good oral health.Brush two to three times a day
First and foremost, every child should develop the habit of brushing their teeth several times a day at a young age. By doing so, the chance of enamel erosion to their baby teeth is kept at a minimum and they learn how to properly care for their oral health once they are older and more independent.Floss and use mouthwash
There are almost always areas of the mouth that are hard to reach by brushing, and it is important for children to floss and use mouthwash daily to ensure any remaining bacteria or food particles are killed and removed, leaving the mouth clean and significantly reducing the risk of oral health concerns.Eat a proper diet
Sugar and various other carbohydrates can be incredibly damaging to teeth if they are consumed too heavily. While every child should be able to enjoy their favorite treat once in a while, it can be helpful to limit harmful foods and drinks, especially with children who suffer from a chronic health condition.Know the health condition
It is important to have a good understanding of the health condition to know exactly how it affects oral health. Many chronic conditions can increase the chance of developing oral health concerns, so be sure to ask your Swampscott dentist about how your child’s chronic health condition specifically affects their oral hygiene.Know the medications
One of the main reasons children with chronic health conditions tend to be more prone to oral health issues is because they often are required to take medication to treat their condition, which can have negative oral health side effects. Be sure to study the medication your child takes and consult with your Swampscott dentist about how it affects their oral health.Keep a consistent schedule
The key to any good oral care routine is consistency. Missing an entire day of oral care, especially for children with a chronic health condition, can begin to weaken enamel and damage gums. Try and encourage your child to keep a consistent schedule and make it a habit to care for their teeth several times each day.Visit your Swampscott dentist regularly
It is recommended that children visit the dentist every four to six months, although more frequent visits may be needed with children with a chronic health condition. If your child is past due for their next dental visit, contact your Swampscott dentist today to ensure they get the oral health care they need. Request an appointment here: https://whitingdentalarts.com or call Whiting Dental Arts at (781) 595-0596 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.