Parents are really up against it when it comes to fighting off childhood tooth decay. Not only do they have to deal with the natural affinity for sweets that most children have but they have to grapple with all the sports figures and movie heroes who are hired by manufacturers to sell products like energy drinks and carbonated beverages. When a child sees his favorite quarterback, for instance, attributing athletic skills to a particular brand of fruit juice that child is naturally going to ask mommy or daddy to run out and buy it. The same holds true for the latest sugar-coated cereal to hit the market.
There’s not much we can do as parents to discourage this kind of advertising. What we can do is to see to it that our children are not unduly influenced by it. Your pediatric dentist and hygienist can help.
Sometimes kids tend to listen to advice from others more often than their own parents, especially if it comes from a professional figure. Ask your dentist to talk to your child about the importance of a healthy diet in a plan to maintain their dental health. Your hygienist may be able to give you some tips on how to make healthy foods more appealing.
Parents don’t have to ban sweet treats entirely, just limit them. That along with brushing and flossing every day and seeing the dentist every six months is a recipe for good oral health.
Kaelin Pediatric Dentistry welcomes new patients to their dental home. Call the office today @ 303-835-9330.