Dementia and Your Loved One
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Dementia and Your Loved One

I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.

Dementia and Your Loved One

3 Tips To Help Your Kids Take Better Care Of Their Teeth

Vickie Armstrong

Adults know that caring for their teeth is essential, but conveying this message to children can be a challenge. Although baby teeth are not permanent, teaching your children to care for these teeth will establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Healthy oral hygiene habits established in childhood can help to prevent more serious dental problems in the future.

Here are three tips you can use to help you kids learn to keep their teeth healthy.

1. Let your kids use a water flosser instead of traditional string floss.

The best way to remove plaque from the crevices between teeth is by flossing. Unfortunately, teaching young children to use string floss correctly can be especially challenging. Since their small hands aren't as nimble as an adult's hands, it can be hard for kids to maneuver string floss correctly.

By making the choice to let your children use a water flosser instead, you make flossing more exciting. Teaching your kids to properly use a waster flosser will ensure that their teeth remain as healthy as possible.

2. Buy a fun timer to help your kids learn how long they need to brush.

Getting your kids to brush their teeth each day is a chore, and ensuring that they brush for an adequate amount of time can be a challenge. Dental professionals agree that children need to brush for at least 2 minutes twice per day. By introducing a whimsical timer into your child's dental hygiene routine, you can help your young one learn to brush for the full two minutes.

Look for timers that are manually operated, since your kids will enjoy turning the knob to set the timer themselves. Something as simple as adding a timer to your children's daily brushing routine could help them establish better dental habits for the future.

3. Buy flavored mouthwash for your children.

While brushing and flossing can remove much of the plaque from your children's teeth, introducing mouthwash to their daily dental routine could be beneficial. Mouthwash is an easy way to swish away any food particles missed during brushing or flossing, and it can help kill off the bacteria that causes your children to have bad breath. Be sure to look for a mouthwash that is specially formulated for children, since these products usually come in flavors (like bubblegum or grape) that your kids will enjoy.

Helping your kids establish better dental hygiene habits doesn't have to be difficult. By introducing a water flosser, timer, and flavored mouthwash to your family's daily routine, you can help your kids take better care of their teeth now, and help them learn habits that will prevent serious dental damage in the future. For more information, talk to a dental practice like North Phoenix Pediatric Dentistry.


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