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Does your child have a sweet tooth? Christmas and New Year will bring
lots of sweets in your house. The millennium fever will only add to the
festivities. But this is the time your child's teeth and stomach need
more than usual attention. We provide some tips for the coming season.
Rinse teeth after every meal Although this guideline is applicable
for every season, it is most relevant for the festive season. Let
your child know that sticky particles of sweets and other items can cause
lifetime harm to the teeth. So, the frequency of brushing teeth should
be increased. Let the nighttime brushing be a family affair.
Take your child to a dentist Take your toddler to your dentist
for a normal checkup. Let him have a look at the dentist's chair and set
up. Even if people tell you not to care for the temporary teeth, do not
follow their advice. Otherwise, temporary teeth might fall prematurely,
giving way for other primary teeth. As a result, when the permanent teeth
erupt, there will be no room. It can cause malpositioning of the teeth.
So initiate your child into a discussion with your dentist who will then
tell him the right way to brush etc.
The right toothpaste Also consult your dentist for the
right type of toothpaste. Do not go by misleading advertisements of toothpastes,
which claim to give foolproof dental protection to children eating junk
foods. Beware of any television/print ad of a toothpaste, which makes such
unrealistic claims. Do not change brands for fun.
Sweets should be an exception, not a rule Pediatricians have often warned against
over consumption of sweets by children at a very early age. Let sweets
not become their daily fun diet. That does not mean you spoil their festive
mood, but ask them to be balanced. Most importantly, keep them away from
chewing gums, toffees and other chewy sweets because they are likely to
remain stuck to the teeth. For the younger kids, chewing gums should be
a complete non-no. Excess use of such sweets can cause irreparable harm
to their teeth.
Control overeating Children should be taught to enjoy
food with restraint. Let eating not be their primary activity in the holidays.
Of course, they should be allowed to taste a variety of foods, especially
of their choice, but stop them if they are overeating. Extreme love for
food or sweets has to be discouraged at a very early age. Parents have
to inculcate satiation in their children.
Encourage salads and fruits At a time when your kids' intake
is more than the usual, encourage them to balance it with more salads like
carrot, cucumber, cabbage and beat root. Every meal should be followed
with a fruit. Salads and fruits will ensure better digestion.
So, even as you make your New
Year plans, take care of you child's health.
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