It's always upsetting as a parent to take your child into the dentist and find that they have many dental health issues. It may cause you to reconsider your home routines to search for answers. Here are some things to consider. 

Are You Talking About Dental Health Regularly?

It may be that your child doesn't understand the value of dental health, so they don't put a lot of effort into brushing and flossing on a regular basis. If this is the case, maybe dental hygiene needs to be a more regular conversation topic, just as you might discuss schoolwork or interests. It also helps to be a visible role model for your children by making dental hygiene a joint activity. 

Is Your Child Brushing Their Teeth at School?

Another thing that can help is having your child brush their teeth at school if premature tooth decay is an issue. You can pack a toothbrush and floss in their backpack or school lunch. Your child's teacher might be kind enough to remind them to brush and floss after snack time or lunch. 

Are You Packing Healthy Foods?

Sometimes, diet can play a role in poor dental health. Make sure you are packing foods that are tooth-healthy; this includes natural foods that are low in sugars. Examples of healthy snacks include avocados and peanut butter. Of course, there's a balance that needs to happen between nutrition and dental health benefits, so speak with your family dentist about the best snacks for your child. 

Are they Vitamin Deficient?

Sometimes, a vitamin deficiency can also play a role in tooth decay. You could talk with your child's general physician to get blood work done to see if your child is deficient in any key vitamins. The doctor might put your child on a special diet or suggest multivitamins to make up for any deficiencies. 

Is Your Family Dentist Involved?

If none of these steps helps to correct poor dental hygiene, it's important to keep your family dentist involved. Consult them on an appropriate schedule for getting checkups, especially if the past few visits have turned up a lot of cavities or other dental health issues. Your child may need to get more regular dental teeth cleanings or teeth whitenings to prevent discoloration and decay. There may also be cosmetic dentistry solutions, such as veneers or dental implants, for teeth that are having repeated issues. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Associates For Family Dentistry.