With so many things to do and enjoy in our community, it is little wonder that Yonge and Eglinton is a growing destination for families seeking a safe, vibrant neighbourhood. We have been operating here for years and have enjoyed watching our young patients grow up and later bring their own children in for family dental care!
Another reason we love Yonge and Eglinton is that there are many resources in the community that support family oral health. These places and activities will help you instill good daily oral health habits in your family so they can enjoy a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles they can share with the world!
Family-oriented activities at Yonge and Eglinton that promote oral health
Many of the activities in our neighbourhood give you multiple opportunities to protect your family’s oral health, helping them have strong teeth and gums all year round. Here are a few of our favourites.
Picnics in the park
Local green spaces such as Sherwood Park provide families ample amenities to enjoy a family picnic where you can enjoy board games, frisbee, sports, splash pads, and – of course – yummy food!
Some of the most popular picnic foods are very tooth-friendly, such as carrots, nuts, and celery sticks that require a lot of chewing. The chewing motion helps to dislodge food particles stuck between teeth. Many crunchy vegetables also contain water, which promotes saliva production and helps keep the mouth clean.
Cheese is full of calcium that strengthens enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the soft inner tissue from acids that can lead to cavities.
Finally, be sure to make water the beverage of choice for your outings. It will keep your family hydrated and help fight tooth decay and bad breath. It is also a better choice than fruit juices, sports drinks, and soda, all of which contain sugars that can lead to tooth decay.
Local farmers’ markets
There is nothing like biting into a crisp, crunchy apple that has come straight from the farm! Yonge Eglinton has ample spaces where residents can enjoy seasonal farmers’ markets that offer fresh, farm-to-table produce that is both healthy and tooth-friendly.
Apples, crunchy vegetables, and leafy greens such as spinach and kale are all excellent choices that support good eating habits and optimal oral health.
Cooking at home
Now that you have brought home lots of nutritious goodies from the farmers’ markets, what are you going to do with them? Leave YouTube recipes behind and attend a local cooking class where you can engage with instructors and other pupils while learning to prepare a healthy, wholesome meal for your family.
Many recipes that use pure ingredients and avoid using refined sugars or acidic ingredients are often very tooth-friendly, so sign up for a course and treat your family to a fabulous meal soon!
Sports activities for kids
The Yonge Eglinton area is home to a wide array of kids’ team sports, such as hockey, basketball, baseball, and basketball. There are many solo activities for kids to enjoy as well, including figure and speed skating.
Participating in sports can elevate the risk of high-speed impact on your child’s mouth, which can result in chipped, loosened, or even lost teeth. You can help promote your kids’ smile with a custom-fitted mouthguard that will give their teeth the best protection possible.
Enjoy cavity prevention for children with these family-friendly dental tips
After a day of tooth-friendly fun at Yonge and Eglinton, you continue to make oral care a priority at home by following these oral health tips:
Make brushing fun
Kids – and many adults – do not want to do things that are not fun or engaging. You can ramp up the enjoyment of daily oral care by using colourful or musical toothbrushes that make brushing teeth an activity they look forward to.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Make sure your family uses fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help keep their teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free between brushing. You can also ask your dentist about fluoride treatments when you visit their office for routine checkups.
Set a routine
It is essential to set up an oral health care routine for your children as soon as possible to give them excellent oral habits for life. Typical routines include brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and rinsing with water after meals or snacks. Ensure that brushing and flossing happen at around the same time each day.
Offer healthy snacks for kids’ teeth
Kids of all ages love sweet treats, but to protect their oral health, it is always best to minimize their consumption of sugary snacks and provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and cheese instead. Always have an ample supply on hand so you can offer those first.
Visit your dentist regularly
Routine checkups at your dentist’s office for a complete examination, cleaning, and scaling are critical to maintaining your family’s oral health. Your dental team will also be able to catch issues early before they can lead to more serious problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, and periodontitis.
Trusted family dental care at Yonge and Eglinton
Our dental team is always happy to welcome local families into our offices for preventative dental care that helps them have strong and healthy teeth and gums for life.
We understand that children can sometimes be apprehensive about dental visits. Our dental experts use empathetic and practical approaches to help them feel confident in our office.
Talk to our team about how we can help everyone in your household share healthy, beautiful smiles while enjoying outdoor activities in our community!!
Enjoy optimal oral health for the whole family at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
