Learn About the Importance of a Healthy Smile at Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics in Weston, Florida

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Now is the perfect time to go over dental care tips with your child and set up a good dental hygiene routine for the rest of the year. You and your child can learn about the importance of a healthy smile, courtesy of Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics.

Helping your child keep their teeth, gums, and mouth healthy is always a good idea, and proper dental care has lifelong health benefits. Good dental hygiene habits that are learned in childhood can stay with your child throughout their life. So, let’s take a look at some dental health dos and don’ts that you can go over with your child in Miami and South Florida.

DO encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day, and to clean between their teeth once a day using dental floss or a water irrigator. By brushing twice daily and cleaning between their teeth regularly, your child is preventing plaque and bacteria from building up on their teeth and reducing their risk of developing dental cavities. Fewer cavities (and fewer fillings needed) really is something to smile about!

DON’T brush for too short a time. Your child may be in a hurry to rinse and go, but you should make sure that they’re brushing for at least two minutes each time they brush their teeth, as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Egg timers, sand timers, and stopwatches can be used to make brushing for the full two minutes fun for your son or daughter in Miami.

DO ensure that your child has a properly-fitted mouthguard if they play sports. When playing contact sports, wearing a mouthguard helps to protect teeth from becoming damaged, loosened, or being knocked out. At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics in Weston, Brickell, and Miami, your athlete under the age of twelve can get a free mouthguard that’s custom-fit for their teeth.

DON’T forget about healthy snacks. Your kids may want to hit the concession stand and vending machines after practice, but a healthy diet, including a variety of healthy snacks, is important for dental health. The ADA recommends eating “a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.”

DO correct any orthodontic issues your child may have, like crooked teeth, excessive crowding, or bite issues. These orthodontic problems can make it harder to keep teeth fully clean, can exert unnecessary pressure on surrounding teeth, and can make chewing and biting uncomfortably. Getting a straight smile can solve these problems. Dr. Maria Yazji, DDS — the best orthodontist for children in Weston, Florida — can help you and your child find the right orthodontic treatment option. WildSmiles Braces for Kids and Early Orthodontic Treatment from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics are two great options for kids who need braces in South Florida.

DON’T wait too long to treat your child’s orthodontic problems. Braces can correct common dental alignment issues and help your child get a healthier smile. Make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Yazji to learn more about the orthodontic services that can get your child or other family members straight smiles. Good dental health habits and teeth that are straightened with braces for kids from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics in Weston, Florida can help your child have a healthy and happy smile.