Winter may be chilly, but that shouldn’t stop all the fun! But sometimes, the mixture of the cool temperatures and harsh winds can wreak havoc on your little one and their mouth.
Feel free to enjoy the winter in as many ways as you can think of, but be aware of these common winter mouth woes in the process to ensure your child keeps smiling throughout the season.
Canker Sores
Those winter treats may taste great, but they don’t sit well in your mouth. The higher consumption of acidic foods in the winter is a recipe for canker sores. Of course, completely avoiding these holiday treats may be easier said than done. If your child winds up suffering, try swishing one teaspoon of salt and a half-cup of water to help clean the sores or contact us and inquire about our laser dentistry services!
Cold Sores
You don’t just need to protect yourself from the sun in the warmer months. Continue to use products with an SPF of 15 or higher, even in the winter, as exposure to sun can lead to cold sore breakouts. Additionally, make sure your child is getting a good night's rest and regularly keeping their hands clean to avoid the spread of any bacteria.
Teeth Sensitivity
Your child may feel a sharp pain while eating during the colder months of the year. Even if you take precautionary measures to avoid certain foods, the cold temperature and wind can be enough to leave their teeth feeling sore. Try brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste.
Chapped Lips
Exposure to wind, cold, and sun creates the perfect environment for dry lips. Make sure you and your little ones are wearing a daily SPF lip balm and apply it often throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and think about installing a humidifier in your rooms. A little extra moisture in the chillier months never hurts!
If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Visit our website to schedule an appointment at one of our three locations.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Monday, November 26, 2018
Healthy Habits to Keep Your Kids Smiling Through the New Year
Can you believe 2019 is almost here? What better time than now to start considering some healthy changes you and your family can make for the new year.
Even a few, slight changes to your daily routine can provide lifelong benefits! See below for 5 quick tips:
1. Encourage physical activity.
Everyone has a phone nowadays, including your little ones. Try to limit screen time and instead encourage more physical activity. Take your dog on a walk as a family, discover a new hobby, wander around a museum — anything to keep the blood flowing!
2. Eat and drink well.
Opt for water over sugary juices and sodas! It’s also important for growing bones to eat a well-balanced diet. This means not skipping meals and incorporating a range of colors into your daily diet.
3. Get a good night’s rest.
Sleep is important to mental and physical health! But how much sleep is recommended? According to the National Sleep Foundation, the recommended sleep ranges are:
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Preschoolers (3-5): 10-13 hours
- School-age children (6-13): 9-11 hours
- Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hours
- Younger adults (18-25) and Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours
- Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours
4. Don’t skip your dental routine!
Set a good example for your kids and don’t forget your dental routine! That means remembering to brush twice every day, for two minutes and floss your teeth regularly. If you need help figuring out how to make teeth brushing fun, we’ve got you covered.
5. Get regular checkups.
Whether that means a dental checkup here at AMPD or a visit with your family doctor, you’ll want to ensure you don’t forget preventative health measures. Attending regular check-ups helps spot problems early, often when they’re most treatable.
There you have it — five healthy habits to keep your kids smiling through the new year. For questions or concerns regarding your family’s dental health this season, give us a call or click here to request your appointment»
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