How to Explain Dental Health to your Children

It can be hard to convey the importance of dental care to your children but making sure your children know how to properly care for their teeth is vital. Here are some tips on how to teach your kids about dental health!

the basics of plaque and bacteria

While sugar makes food taste great, it can cause serious tooth decay.  Bacteria sometimes called "sugar bugs", love sugar just as much as we do! When you eat sugary foods, a sticky film, called plaque forms on your teeth.  Plaque is where sugar bugs live, so when you eat sugar you get more of these bugs on your teeth.  Over time these bugs can jeopardize the integrity of tooth enamel. On average, 78% of Americans will develop a cavity by age 17, and between 60% - 90% of children will experience tooth decay.

The buildup of plaque and bacteria can cause cavities. Untreated cavities can cause pain, and infections, and can lead to problems eating, speaking, and learning. More than 1 in 5 children aged 2 to 5 years have at least one cavity in their baby teeth. However, cavities are preventable.

Make it fun

When you explain dental health to your children, try doing it through a fun story!  Creating a fun story can help your child better understand the importance of dental hygiene.

For example, you might tell your child "Plaque and bacteria are villains trying to take over your children’s teeth. Your child can fight back with their toothbrush and floss. But sometimes, a superhero needs to save the day. This is where the dentist comes in to help your child fight off plaque and bacteria with their special powers."

How Can You Fight Plaque and Bacteria

• Use a toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes twice a day.
• Eat fruits and vegetables rather than candy or other sugary snacks.
• Drink water instead of juice or soda, both of which have sugar.
• Drink water with fluoride, it helps rebuild the surface of your teeth.  You can look up online if your city's water has fluoride in it.

How Your dentist Fights Plaque and Bacteria

• Give you tips for improving and maintaining your oral health.
• Scrape away any plaque or bacteria you didn't get while brushing and flossing
• Provide dental sealant, which is a quick, easy, and painless way to prevent most cavities children get in the permanent back teeth, the area 9 in 10 cavities occur.
  
  
  Explaining the importance of dental hygiene habits to your child will set them up for a healthy future with a bright smile.  Start establishing these habits by scheduling a dentist appointment for your child every six months.  To schedule an appointment with Alluvion Health Dental call 406.791.9276.

Dr. Cole Funseth is a Doctor of Dental Surgery at Alluvion Health.  He enjoys helping people move forward in their healthcare journey and relieving their pain.