As one of the best family dental practices in Columbus, we’ve seen hundreds of diverse families comprising of all ages and combinations.   Good dental care impacts every member of the family and requires a cohesive routine and commitment to the health of your teeth in order to build long-lasting health benefits for years to come.   In an effort to help you and your family initiate healthy practices at home, here are 5 tips we think you’ll find valuable.
  

1. Start Children Early

There’s a lot your children are learning from you during their early ages.   Toddlers are learning to walk and use the bathroom, while the older kids, if we’re lucky, are learning self-hygiene and how to pick up after themselves.   The earlier you start your children on healthy dental habits such as brushing and flossing or paying attention to diet, the more likely they are to take those habits into the later years and then into adulthood.
  

2. Brush twice a day and floss daily

As you develop these standard practices for the kids, make sure to set a good example.  Everyone in the home should brush in the morning and evening.  Flossing is unpopular and tedious but a very important part of preventing cavities and tooth decay.
  

3. Eat Smart

The teeth are there for one reason and one reason alone; to chew your food.  Therefore one of the most obvious and important factors to control in the quest for optimal dental hygiene is what goes in the mouth.  Sugars and salts are particularly bad for health and for the teeth.   A well-balanced diet of whole foods that include grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats is an excellent life habit for every family member, regardless of age or overall health.
  

4. Rinse after meals

Mealtime is when the teeth are exposed to the food and particles that settle into the enamel and get lodged between the molars.   It’s important to rinse the mouth with clean water after eating, especially if your dinner beverage is anything other than plain water.   This step is a supplement to proper brushing and flossing.
  

5.  Regular Check-ups

Most families only consider a dental visit when something goes wrong but regular check-ups for all family members can ensure long-term health and stability of the teeth and allows us to catch problem cavities or decay early on so proper treatment can be administered.  Might we suggest that today may be a good day to schedule an appointment at the Dental Center at Easton today?