February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! It is important to teach your kids about taking care of their teeth while they are young. Healthy habits can be formed early and maintained for life. And remember, kids mimic what adults do. Use these tips for yourself as well, and keep the whole family’s teeth healthy!
1. Avoid mercury fillings
By now, everyone should know that mercury is dangerous. For children, it is especially important to protect their delicate systems from heavy metals like mercury. Don’t let your dentist put amalgam fillings in your kids’ teeth.
2. Make sure they eat mineral-rich foods
Calcium isn’t the only mineral that supports bone health. Ensure that your kids also get magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and vitamin K. All of those can be obtained from foods, but vitamin D is sometimes harder. Ensure that your children get enough sunshine, drink milk enriched with vitamin D, or take a daily vitamin D supplement. There are plenty of vitamin D drops on the market that are easier than pills for young children to take.
3. Develop a healthy microbiome
You’ve probably heard how good probiotics are for everything from digestion to mood. Turns out, they also improve dental health! You can get probiotic supplements with strains of friendly flora that are especially helpful for mouth health. Humans establish the diversity of our microbiome in childhood, so if you get good bacteria in your child’s system now, it will help their health for life!
4. Use a natural toothpaste and good brushing habits
Most conventional toothpastes contain flouride, which can pose health risks, especially for infants. You can easily avoid flouride by using an all-natural toothpaste. They contain tried-and-true ingredients like baking soda or medicinal herbs to help foster healthy teeth and gums. Teach your kids good brushing habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, getting to all sides of the teeth, and making sure to brush the molars in the back of the mouth. Try products like Health Aid OralProbio and Now Foods OralBiotic.
5. Limit sugar
The best way to prevent dental damage in the first place is to avoid simple sugars! Instead, make sure your kids get plenty of good nutrients from protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. They should eat a variety of foods, including good sources of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin K to help their bones (including, of course, teeth) grow strong.