eglintonsquaredental

SMILE-FRIENDLY SNACKS FOR KIDS

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:25:36 GMT

As parents, we strive to provide our children with the best nutrition while keeping their taste buds happy. When it comes to snacks, finding options that are not only nutritious but also promote good oral health can be a challenge. At Eglinton Square Dental Centre , we understand the importance of maintaining healthy smiles for little ones. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of smile-friendly snacks for kids that are delicious and beneficial for their teeth.

Crunchy Carrot Sticks with Hummus:

Carrot sticks are not only colourful but also packed with vitamins and fibre. The crunchiness helps stimulate saliva production, which aids in cleaning teeth naturally. Paired with creamy hummus, this snack becomes a delightful combination your kids will love

Cheesy Whole Grain Crackers:

Whole grain crackers are a great alternative to refined flour-based snacks. They provide complex carbohydrates and fibre, which are essential for a balanced diet. Pair these crackers with a slice of low-fat cheese to add calcium and protein, contributing to the development of strong teeth and bones.

Yummy Yogurt Parfait:

Yogurt is packed with calcium and phosphates, which help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay. Create a delightful yogurt parfait by layering low-sugar yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. This snack is not only tooth-friendly but also a hit among kids.

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter:

Apples provide fibre and hydration, while peanut butter adds protein. Together, they make a satisfying snack that satisfies hunger and supports oral health. Just ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened to keep it tooth-friendly.

Veggie Chips:

Make your own vegetable chips by baking thinly sliced sweet potatoes or zucchini. They offer a satisfying crunch and a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips.

Celery Sticks with Cream Cheese and Raisins:

These “ants on a log” are a fun and nutritious snack. Celery’s crisp texture helps clean teeth, while cream cheese and raisins provide a sweet, creamy contrast that kids adore.

Banana and Almond Butter Bites:

Slice bananas into bite-sized pieces and spread almond butter between them to create delicious, tooth-friendly mini-sandwiches. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which promotes strong teeth.

Whole Grain Crackers with Tuna Salad:

Whole grain crackers are a healthier alternative to regular crackers, and when topped with tuna salad (made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo), they become a protein-packed snack that supports oral health.

Frozen Grapes:

aFreeze grapes for a refreshing and natural sweet treat. The cold temperature and texture of frozen grapes can also soothe teething discomfort in younger children.

Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins:

Bake homemade oatmeal cookies using whole oats and raisins. Oats contain soluble fibre, while raisins provide a natural sweetness without added sugar. These cookies can be a guilt-free, tooth-friendly indulgence.

Remember to encourage your children to drink water after eating snacks to rinse away any lingering food particles and sugars. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene routines are essential for maintaining their beautiful smiles.

Contact Eglinton Square Dental Centre at 416-752-8222 to book an appointment with a family dentist in Scarborough and give your child the gift of a healthy smile!

3 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO VISIT THE DENTIST MORE OFTEN

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 20:02:17 GMT

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health. They help prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues and help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Here are three reasons why you need to visit the dentist more often.

Professional Cleanings Remove Buildup

Professional teeth cleaning done by a dentist or hygienist removes buildup from your teeth that cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. This is essential to prevent cavities, as any plaque or debris on your teeth can lead to tooth decay if left unchecked. Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums and periodontal disease involving both the gums and bone can be detected at these appointments.

Early Detection of Oral Health Issues

Routine dental visits allow dentists to detect and treat any issues with your oral health before they become serious problems. For example, if you have periodontal disease, regularly visiting the dentist can help stop it from progressing further and causing more damage to your teeth and gums. Additionally, regular dental X-rays can detect potential problems, such as cavities, bone loss or impacted wisdom teeth, that may not be visible during an examination.

Visiting the Dentist

Regular visits to the dentist are essential when it comes to maintaining dental health in kids. Although it is recommended that children visit the dentist for their first checkup by age one—or within six months of their first tooth emerging, it is more practical to start around age 2 ½ – 3years. Of course, if there are any concerns before 2 ½ -3, don’t hesitate to bring your child in for a dental checkup. During these visits, dentists can check for cavities, perform professional teeth cleanings , if needed, advise on proper brushing techniques, and answer any questions parents may have about their child’s dental health. Additionally, dentists can provide fluoride treatments that protect against cavities by making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay-causing bacteria and acids.

Maintenance of Tooth Structure

Another benefit of frequent dental visits is that it helps maintain the structure of your teeth by keeping them strong and healthy over time. Cavities or gum disease can weaken the structures in your mouth, leading to pain and discomfort; however, visiting the dentist will ensure these issues are detected early on so they don’t cause significant damage down the line.

In addition to improving your smile, regular dental trips have numerous other benefits for people’s mental and physical well-being. They are a must for everyone who wants to keep their teeth healthy and strong for years to come to maintain their smiles! Contact our dental office at (416) 752-8222 to book your next appointment. Our office is located in the Eglinton Square shopping mall.

TEACHING KIDS GOOD DENTAL HYGIENE HABITS EARLY ON!

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 19:35:57 GMT

Keeping your child’s teeth healthy is integral to their overall well-being. Establishing good dental hygiene habits early on can help to ensure that they grow up with strong, healthy teeth and gums. But where do you start? What do you need to know as a parent to ensure good dental health for your kids? Let’s break it down.

Brushing Basics

Establishing a regular brushing and flossing routine is the cornerstone of good dental hygiene for children. Brushing should occur at least twice daily, in the morning and before bed, and if possible, preferably after every meal or snack. When choosing a toothbrush for your child, look for one with soft bristles and a small head. A toothbrush with an angled neck will also help ensure that all areas of the mouth are adequately cleaned. For young children, choose a toothbrush with familiar characters or bright colours to make brushing more fun and engaging. Children under 6 need parental help or supervision with brushing.

Flossing

When it comes to flossing, it is recommended that this begins as soon as two teeth touch each other—usually around age two or three. Parents should assist children with flossing until they have developed enough skill (usually around age 8) to do it independently. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends waxed floss for children who are beginning the process since this floss slides easily between teeth without causing discomfort or irritation. Flossers with handles can be used by children to make it easier for them to get between.

Visiting the Dentist

Regular Cleanings

In addition to regular checkups, your child must get regular dental cleanings so plaque build-up can be removed before it causes any issues such as gum disease or tooth decay. The dentist may also talk with you about additional ways you can help keep your child’s mouth healthy such as using fluoride treatments or sealants if necessary.

Teaching your children good dental hygiene habits early on is important in helping them maintain healthy teeth and gums as they grow up. Establishing a routine of brushing and flossing combined with regular visits to the dentist will go a long way in ensuring that your child has strong and healthy teeth throughout their life!

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, speak with a family dentist at Eglinton Square Dental Centre.

PREPARING KIDS FOR THE DENTIST: 4 FUN WAYS TO GET THEM EXCITED

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:22:52 GMT

Regular dental visits are important for children of all ages. Visiting the dentist can be a stress-free experience if you take the time to prepare your child for the appointment. Here are four fun ways to get your kids excited about their upcoming dental visit!

Explain What Happens at the Dentist

Talk to your child about what happens during a regular dental visit before they go. Tell them that they will have their mouth checked, teeth counted and cleaned and possibly get dental X-rays taken. Explain that they will meet new people, including a dentist who will help keep their teeth healthy!

Read Books or Watch Videos About Going to the Dentist

Visit your local library or bookstore and pick out books about going to the dentist . There are lots of books and videos available with fun stories and illustrations that can help prepare kids for their visit in an entertaining way! Peppa Pig Goes To The Dentist, Franklin Goes To The Dentist and Andrew’s Loose Tooth are good Choices.

Encourage Your Child to Ask Questions

Dental visits can seem intimidating if your child doesn’t know what is happening around them or why certain procedures are necessary. Encourage your child to ask questions so they can learn more about what is happening during their appointment and feel more comfortable in general. Make sure you give detailed answers too, so they understand why regular dental visits are important!

Reward Your Child After the Appointment

After each successful appointment, reward your child with something special. Some parents have a treat ready, a new toy or even a visit to the local Dollarama to pick out a treat themselves. An extra hour of playing video games can also be a reward. Whatever works best as an incentive to keep them motivated! Rewarding positive behaviour will also encourage your child to continue looking forward to visiting the family dentist for future appointments.

Preparing kids for the dentist doesn’t have to be difficult; use these four fun ways to get your kids excited about visiting the dentist! With enough preparation beforehand, visiting the dentist can become one of those activities kids look forward to instead of dreading every year.