Candies, candies, and some more candies! But what about the sugar bugs? 

If you hear your kids asking for sugary food or if you crave candies and chocolate, you may know the consequences. 

A simple look at your oral health would give an idea of how much sugar you consume daily! 

It’s best to avoid sugary items and, thus, say goodbye to the sugar bugs. Brush your teeth, floss, and maintain excellent oral hygiene for kids and yourself! 

Talk to your dentist for any questions or concerns. 

Read on for more information. 

What Are Sugar Bugs? 

Sugar bugs are not actual bugs! So, hold your horses. You can use this term to explain the cavities to your children and yourself! 

Sugar bugs refer to dental decay that’s caused by bacteria. You get cavities as there is plaque, a sticky substance constantly being formed on the teeth when you consume sugary food. 

If you leave oral health unchecked, let bacteria prevail in the mouth, or consume candies without cleaning your mouth, you can expect cavities. 

Sugar bugs can become painful and may even interfere with your daily activities. 

Tips to Say Goodbye to Sugar Bugs 

Always visit your dentist for dental checkups! Book an appointment if your child complains of pain in the teeth or if there is any other oral health issue. 

Consider the following: 

  • Teach your kids about oral hygiene from an early age. It’s all about healthy habits! It could be too late if you fail to teach them the significance of oral health. 
  • Limit the intake of sugary foods! Limit the intake for your children also. Instead, focus on a healthy diet. You must focus on diet as a family. If someone in the family consumes too much sugar, educating them about the impact of sugary items on teeth is best. 
  • Brush the teeth twice daily for two minutes to maintain oral health. Teach the same to your kids! 
  • The kids must clean their mouths thoroughly after consuming sticky candies. But avoid such food items in the first place! 
  • Book an appointment with the dentist. Even if there are no oral health issues or concerns, it won’t hurt to go for a routine checkup or cleaning! So when you first spot the first tooth, see the dentist! 
  • Help in brushing your kids’ teeth. Once they learn, you can let them brush on their own by age 8 or 9. 
  • Teach your kids about floss. You can also look into water floss! 

It’s true that there could be peer pressure when kids grow up, and they will learn from the environment too, but if you instill healthy habits from a young age, it will go a long run! 

What To Do If Your Kids Have Sugar Bugs? 

If you or the kids have sugar bugs, it’s time to address the concerns. 

There is a saying that goes, “Nip the evil in the bud! “The same would apply to the sugar bugs. But you need to get the treatment before it’s too late. 

Book an appointment with the dentist. Let the dentist check thoroughly. 

Based on the issue, the dentist can suggest whether there is a need for filing or a crown placement; in extreme cases, extraction could be needed. 

If a tooth is severely damaged, the dentist may suggest extraction. So, it’s best to avoid the root cause of such problems in the first place. When you and the kids focus on oral hygiene, maintaining oral health will be much easier! 

FAQs

What to do if my children don’t brush their teeth? 

Ask your dentist to give you some tips:

  1. You must show the importance of oral hygiene. Educate your children about the sugar bugs and how they can impact a child’s life.
  2. You can buy colorful toothpaste and toothbrush for the children.
  3. Focus on creating an ambiance of positivity for oral hygiene.
  4. Show your kids cartoons that are brushing their teeth. There are also videos available to help with this issue. Ask your dentist to guide you in the right direction. 
  5. Talk heart-to-heart with your kids! Let them know about your concerns about oral hygiene. 
  6. You are never too busy! Oral hygiene requires ten minutes in the morning and ten minutes at night. You need to brush your teeth and floss them. The dentist may also suggest what type of toothpaste and toothbrush would suit you and the kids. 
  7. Surround yourself with people who focus on the importance of oral hygiene. Keeping up would be easy for you and the kids when everyone has perfect oral health. 

It may sound challenging, but it would be worth your time and effort! 

What to do if my child complains of toothache

If your child complains of toothache, talk to your dentist and book an appointment. There could be sugar bugs! The dentist can assess the situation and advise the treatment. In extreme cases, there could be a need for extraction! Meanwhile, you can also give over-the-counter painkillers that are safe for your child and are recommended by the dentist!  

What type of toothbrush is suitable for me and my family? 

Your dentist can suggest what type of toothbrush suits you and the kids! For example, you can look into electric toothbrushes. If you and your family consider the well-being of the environment, then you can also look into bamboo toothbrushes. In the same way, ask your dentist about the toothpaste. 

When to see a dentist? 

You must see a dentist for regular checkups! It’s best to book an appointment for everyone to keep oral health in check for everyone in the family. The dentist can also give some tips and tricks to help maintain oral hygiene for kids! 

Wrapping It Up 

It’s time to say goodbye to the sugar bugs by brushing, flossing, and taking care of your oral hygiene. Keep your oral hygiene in check and focus on your kids’ oral health, including small children! You must start focusing on the importance of oral hygiene from a young age. 

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Good oral hygiene has many benefits; for example, you can be confident with your perfect smile, there would be minimal chance of cavities, and a lot more!

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