You want your kids to have healthy teeth. You take them to the dentist twice a year and you make sure that they brush their teeth at least twice a day. Those are all extremely important to the health of your child's teeth. However, there are a few more things you can do for your children's teeth.

Healthy teeth and gums actually start from the inside, which means that what goes into your child's mouth is just as important as how often they brush and floss. Here are a few helpful tips to help your children develop healthy teeth.

Keep Fresh Fruits and Vegetables on Hand

Children need fruits and vegetables to maintain their physical health. They also need it to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables help strengthen gums by increasing blood flow. In addition, many fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, celery and pears, are rich in water. The water contained in foods help keep gums properly hydrated.

Encourage Cheese as a Healthy Snack

When your children want a snack, reach for cheese. Cheese causes the salivary glands to start producing extra saliva, which helps wash bacteria out of the mouth. Some of the best cheeses for snacking include cheddar and Monterey jack.

Stick with Water

Water is vital to the health of your children's teeth. Not only does it keep them properly hydrated, it also prevents cavities since it contains no sugar. Unfortunately, kids don't always like plain water, so they reach for the sugary soft drinks and juices. To give your kids a treat once in a while, add a few sliced strawberries or pears to their water. They'll receive all the health benefits of the water with the added benefit and flavor of fruit.

Encourage Brushing after Oral Medications

You might not realize that the liquid medications your children take contain sugar. That sugar will sit on their teeth, especially if the medication is given to them at night. Whenever you give your children liquid medication, have them brush their teeth or rinse with fresh water. This will remove the sugar from their mouth and prevent bacteria from developing.

You want your children to have healthy teeth and gums. In addition to the dental visits and proper oral hygiene, be sure to help your children develop healthy teeth from the inside out. For more information, contact Brit E. Bowers, DDS or a similar dental professional.