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If your child is sick, their pediatrician may prescribe medicine to alleviate symptoms or knock out a bacterial infection. There will likely be information available as to possible side effects or interactions with other drugs, but there might not be any information about potential effects of that medication on their dental health. In this article, we take a brief look at the most commonly prescribed medications for children, and how these medications can affect your child’s dental health.
How to Keep Your Child’s Toothbrush Clean
As a parent, you’re probably concerned about keeping your child healthy. With all those things you might worry about — like air and water quality, sick kids at school and babies putting dirty objects in their mouths — fretting about your child’s toothbrush is probably not at the top of that list. But did you know that an average toothbrush might contain 10 million bacteria?
We often do things out of habit and don’t even think about them. For example, you probably store your family’s toothbrushes on or near the bathroom sink, which, in most bathrooms, is close to the toilet. Do you always close the lid before you flush? If not, bacteria from toilet spray can settle on nearby surfaces, which might include your toothbrushes. Yikes!
Grinding Teeth: How to Break Your Child’s Bad Mouth Habits
Did you know that 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth? Fortunately, this is mostly done when their baby teeth and permanent teeth are coming in, and children typically stop grinding before it becomes a serious problem. However, some kids continue to grind their teeth, and if that occurs, it needs to be addressed. So, what are the dangers and how can you stop a child from grinding their teeth?
How Can Thumbsucking Affect Your Child’s Teeth?
Many young children suck their thumbs. Childhood thumbsucking is a natural reflex, and whether they suck on their thumbs, other fingers, pacifiers or other object, it may make babies feel happier and more secure. But when does thumbsucking become a problem? And how can thumbsucking affect your child’s teeth?
How to Prevent Gingivitis
If you notice any redness in your child’s gums or they’re complaining of soreness, it may be an early sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. But even before symptoms appear, a child may be at risk of developing this dental problem, which is why preventative care is so very important.
Top Foods That Damage Teeth
Keeping your child’s teeth healthy isn’t an easy job. Even if your family practices healthy dental hygiene, with daily brushing and flossing plus regular trips to the dentist, there are other factors at play. Diet plays an important role in dental care from an early age. There are certain foods such as leafy greens and cheese (which both contain calcium) that support healthy teeth. But are there foods you should watch out for? Here is a list of the top foods that damage teeth. The list is quite similar to “top foods that children love to eat,” but we’ll also suggest healthy alternatives!
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