Good oral and dental habits should begin even before your child has teeth! Bacteria and sugars can lead to cavities, so it’s important to wipe babies’ gums with a soft, clean cloth before the first morning feeding and after the last at night. When teething begins, start brushing twice a day, helping to hold the brush until the child can take over.
While you’re ingraining these good habits, don’t forget to make it fun! This month, in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, here are six ways to get kids excited about caring for their pearly whites.
- Do the dental dance. Crank some music, grab a toothbrush of your own and bust a move! Pick a toothbrush tune, or get your groove on with some family favorites. Grab your own toothbrush (it doubles as a mic, you know) and join in the fun. Keep it up for two minutes, per American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations. Then, let the flossing begin.
- Read stories about teeth and toothbrushes. There are all kinds of children’s books out there that spin a good yarn (or would it be floss?) about visiting the dentist and the importance of brushing and flossing. Alternatively, put your creativity to the test and make up your own story about those instrumental incisors and mystical molars! Encourage your child to do the same.
- Do a science experiment. Growing up, did you conduct a science experiment involving cola and an egg? If you did, you’ll remember how the cola stained the shell, and taught you the ways that colored, sugary drinks can impact teeth. Conduct this experiment at home, so your kids can learn the same important lesson.
- Have a healthy snack session. Make sure your kids know that certain healthy meal and snack choices are also good for their teeth! Fruits and vegetables, for example, are some of the best choices for a magnificent mouth. That’s because they’re full of nutrients, and crisp offerings like celery, carrots and apples actually help clean the teeth with each bite. Cheese, milk and yogurt are all rich in calcium, which strengthens the enamel that keeps your teeth protected. When considering what to drink, water is the ideal beverage around for dental health, because it rinses your mouth as you sip. Here’s a list of other snacks to consider as you eat your way to good dental health.
- Find a special toothbrush and toothpaste. A new toothbrush that has a favorite character or color can add excitement to the toothbrushing routine. Let your kids select their own toothbrush, so they have a sense of ownership (the ADA suggests replacing a toothbrush every three to four months, or earlier if the bristles are worn down). Then, talk to them about what flavor toothpaste they’d like to try, and opt for something new, like bubblegum or fruit if they’re not a fan of mint.
- Make a trip to the dentist fun. If your child dreads dentist visits, find ways to flip those feelings. Play dentist at home with dolls or stuffed animals so they get comfortable with the idea. Read books about visiting the dentist. Find a pediatric dentist who is accustomed to nervous patients and can calm your child’s concerns. And tack on something fun after the visit, like a trip to the park, so there’s something to look forward to.
