February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and dentists throughout the United States are working hard to emphasize the importance of good at-home oral hygiene routines. To keep young smiles from developing tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease, it’s imperative that parents be proactive in helping their children take better care of their teeth and gums. This is why a pediatric dentist is here to provide three useful tips you can use at home to keep your child’s teeth and gums looking and feeling their best.
Make Oral Hygiene Routines Fun
Whether it is playing music or turning brushing into a game, you can help your child enjoy the few minutes spent taking care of their smile. Their normal oral hygiene routine doesn’t have to be a bore, so don’t be afraid to start a dance party in your child’s bathroom to get them exciting about brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
For little ones, using a finger toothbrush (similar to a finger puppet) can be helpful, especially if they are apprehensive about the idea of brushing. Made with a fun and comfortable design, these brushes are gentle but also effective in helping your child grow accustomed to cleaning their teeth.
Find Creative Ways to Floss
Flossing is a tricky task for kids to learn, but it doesn’t have to be anymore when you purchase kid-friendly flossing products. Instead of relying on traditional waxed dental floss, many companies are now making alternatives that still offer the same great results but are easier and more enjoyable for young children.
One example is GumChucks Kids. They look like nunchucks but are highly effective at removing bacteria and plaque from your child’s teeth.
Trade In the Manual for an Electric Toothbrush
If you believe your child is ready for an electric toothbrush, go ahead and make the switch! You’ll want to find one that is designed for kids, so make sure it has a small, soft-bristled brush head and can easily fit within your child’s hand. Many of these new products are so advanced that they come with built-in timers, so your child will brush for the full two minutes.
Also, some electric brushes include a way to connect it to your smartphone, so your child can see areas of their smile that they missed while brushing.
Making sure your child’s oral health remains in check year-round takes time, patience, and diligence. With the right tips and techniques from a children’s dentist, however, you can make this process easier and more enjoyable for you and your child.
About the Author
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Mira Albert leads a team of pediatric dentists who make it possible for little ones to achieve healthier smiles. Offering a fun and exciting environment filled with kid-friendly amenities, we believe in helping children become enthusiastic about oral hygiene while keeping parents informed of ways they can work to improve and help their children maintain healthier teeth and gums at home. If you are looking for tips or suggestions to get your child excited about optimal oral hygiene, contact us at (630) 504-2223.