Your friends at Kirchner Dental hope everyone’s having a great start to the new school year and that the kids have had a smooth transition after a fun, lazy summer.
We’re also excited about fall and all the activities everyone enjoys this time of year.
Before the household calendar gets too crazy, we thought we’d offer some helpful suggestions for ensuring your family’s dental health through it all!
Ensure Your Family’s Dental Health This Fall!
Your Jeffersonville dentist is dedicated to providing all the resources you need to protect your family’s teeth and gums, so here are some tips to keep in mind as we head into a busy fall season:
*Tip #1 – Brush & Floss Together*
If your kids are in middle or high school, you don’t really have to pile into the bathroom and brush your teeth together.
After all, at that age, your kids are too cool to be in the same room with mom and dad, right?
But for younger children who are just learning about oral health and hygiene, it’s helpful to make your daily brushing and flossing routine a family affair. It models healthy dental habits, and it also ensures your kids are using the proper techniques.
*Tip #2 – Understand Drink Labels*
Don’t be fooled by the labels on your kids’ favorite sports drinks and fruit juices.
You might see words like “all-natural” or “healthy” or “low in sugar,” but that doesn’t mean those drinks aren’t loaded with sugar in disguise.
Check the ingredients for alternative words for sugar, such as:
- Sucrose
- Fructose
- Glucose
- High fructose corn syrup
- Juice concentrates
- Cane sugar
Milk and water are the best sources of healthy drinks, so if your family is going to indulge in the fun, fruity beverages, it’s better to do so in moderation to prevent tooth decay.
*Tip #3 – Prepare Teeth-Friendly Snacks*
Because families are always on the go, it’s tempting to grab snacks out of convenience.
But unfortunately, these tend to be processed foods, filled with refined carbohydrates that break down into sugar when you eat them.
It’s worth it to take a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon to prep healthy snacks for the week like fresh-cut fruits and veggies, string cheese, yogurt, and almonds. These are nutritious, teeth-friendly foods that will keep your family’s teeth cleaner, stronger, and healthier.
*Tip #4 – Schedule A Dental Checkup*
We like to give our patients reminders throughout the year about scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams. That’s because we know how easy it is to lose track of time when you have a hectic family schedule to manage day after day.
Routine checkups are such an important part of your comprehensive dental care because it allows us to prevent the build up of harmful plaque on your teeth and to catch threats like gum disease in its earliest stage when it’s still manageable.
You can also take advantage of easy preventive treatments like dental sealants, fluoride varnishes, and athletic mouthguards if any of your kids play a fall sport!
Make An Appointment For Your Family!
It’s easy to get sidetracked when you’re trying to manage a hectic daily schedule, so before you get too busy with fall activities, be sure to put your family’s next dental appointment on the calendar!
We’ll check to make sure everyone has healthy teeth and gums heading into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Call Kirchner Dental today at 812-913-6093 to set up an appointment in Jeffersonville, IN.