It’s that time of year again…National Children’s Dental Health Month! We love this month-long health observance because it is all about promoting the benefits of good oral health to kids! Our team of caring healthcare professionals is here to help you get your kids set up with some healthy habits this month and every month…it can be as easy as ABC! Here are our top 3 tips:
A is for Apple!
Help your kids make good choices when snacking; it will not only help keep their bodies healthy but their mouths too! For example, people don’t call apples nature’s toothbrush for nothing! These tasty treats can stimulate your gums, reduce cavity-causing bacteria and increase saliva flow. Plus, perhaps you’ve heard us say it before…eating a nutritious diet is a vital part of oral health! Stock up your pantry with things like apples, carrots, almonds, yogurt, and cheese…these snacks are full of mouth-happy nutrients and fiber.
B is for Brushing Tips!
Parents often have a lot of questions about how to get started with an oral health care routine. You can start gently brushing your child’s teeth when they first appear with a soft-bristled brush and a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Once your child is over the age of 3, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. There are lots of silly toothbrush choices and fun-flavored toothpastes you kids can incorporate into their oral care. Let them pick a brush that excites them! And don’t forget to floss! Once your child has teeth next to each other, it’s time to floss between them. As with brushing, be gentle as you introduce floss into the routine.
You are their best teacher and best example. Show your kids how you brush and floss each day and it will surely inspire them. Whenever you have questions or concerns, please call us! Our hygienists love to educate kids and help them set up their oral health care routines!
C is for Creativity!
There are lots of ways to make brushing twice a day fun for your kids, so get creative! Throw a bathroom dance party! Play some fun tunes about brushing teeth! Pretend your child is a dinosaur or a hippopotamus with a lot of teeth to brush! Or perhaps your child is an ice queen and she needs to “freeze” each tooth with her magic wand (aka toothbrush)! Or just put on some sunglasses and get brushing because everyone looks cool when they wear sunglasses. The possibilities are truly endless. When you flex your creative muscles and make oral care fun rather than just a dreaded chore, you’re helping your kids set up healthy habits for life.
If you have questions about your child’s oral health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. Happy, healthy smiles are for everyone at every age!
Image courtesy of fand19 on vectorstock.com