How to Provide the Best Oral Health for the Entire Family

Parents are the main roll models for their children and family. It is the parents decisions on food and lifestyle that effects the health of the entire family. They are the people in the family who we turn to for information or help in treating a particular medical issue. Therefore parents are instrumental in laying the foundations for their child’s healthy development and establishing healthy routines that will see a child live a long and happy life.

Two of our most important systems start in the mouth, the respiratory and digestive system. By having good oral health you are laying the foundations for good general health. As parents it’s important we teach our kids the importance of proper oral hygiene. By establishing simple techniques to empower our children to take control of their own oral health we are providing them with the tools for living a healthy and fulfilling life.

Below we’ve outlined some simple techniques for achieving good oral health.

1. Reduce the sugar.

Just because you indulged in your favourite pack of Twinkies and Trix when you were younger, doesn’t mean that you have to pass it on to your kids. Not only is sugar bad for our teeth (it feeds bacteria that contributes to tooth erosion) but it wreaks havoc with other systems in our bodies. Sugar (specifically fructose, which is the sugar found in a lot of processed foods) is the only food molecule that our bodies don’t recognise and are therefore metabolised in detrimental ways to our health. It is a huge contributor to diseases, it shuts down our appetite mechanism so we eat more, it contributes to making us overweight, for children it can cause a range of behavioural issues, it is a major factor in causing type II diabetes and it wreaks havoc with the liver. Sugary foods also inflame and restrict airway, which will increase any current/potential breathing problems. In short reducing the amount of sugar in your child’s diet is one of the best things you can do for their oral and general health.

TIPS FOR REDUCING SUGAR:

• Lead by example – take out sugary temptations from your pantry and take on the challenge yourself. Not only are you making a difference to your kids health you’ll notice yourself starting to feel much better too.
• Empower your kids – involve them in the process of reducing sugar, take them food shopping and let them find the sugar-free yoghurt or put together their own nut selection. Explain to your kids simply why sugar can make our bodies sick and empower them to notice in themselves how it makes them feel.
• Treat with other things – so often we reward good behaviour with a sugary treat, why not substitute that with a fun activity or making a healthy dish together
• There are healthy alternatives to your favourite junk food – there are 1000s of recipes for sugar free desserts and once you start trying them you’ll realise how amazing they can taste and make you feel afterwards. Check out Sarah Wilson’s I Quit Sugar recipe’s, she has some amazing deserts that are simple and fun to make. You can also check out our sugar free lemon pie protein balls, they make a delicious treat for the whole family.

2. Teach your kids “conscious flossing”

Not that there is an unconscious way of flossing but conscious flossing is coined to emphasise the habit of being aware while you floss. By being attentive of the right way of flossing, you impart to your kids a lifetime of supreme oral hygiene. Flossing is essential to good oral hygiene and should be part of the routine just like brushing your teeth.

TIPS FOR HOW TO CONSCIOUSLY FLOSS:

Every time you run the thread of floss in between your teeth, stop and take a quick look at the floss. Are there:

• Discolouration’s like shades of yellow or red?
• Any odd smell?
• Swelling, pain, and sensitivity?

If your answer is “yes” to any one that is stated above, then you are exhibiting a successful way of conscious flossing by pointing out indicators that you are experiencing gum disease or infection in between teeth. All these indications noticed when flossing consciously is also a good reason to visit the dentist/hygienist.

3. Regular check-ups

This is so important for both children and adults for maintaining good oral hygiene. You should visit your dentist for a check up once a year and your dental hygienist twice a year. Dental hygienists focus on the detection, treatment and prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. Maintaining these regular check ups is essential to good oral hygiene and one of the best things you can do for your child’s oral and general health. You’re child will also receive expert education in how to floss and brush properly, ensuring all these preventative steps are not done in vein.

If you want to know more about oral health check out our Oral Health Program and please feel free to contact us for more information.