Your Children’s Dentist Gives 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Kids’ Oral Health

Can you believe how fast February has rolled around again? It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month and you’re eager to utilize this time to encourage your children to practice better oral hygiene and become more engaged in their dental care. Your children’s dentist applauds your efforts and suggests that you incorporate some fun activities into your family’s routine to really get your little ones excited about their teeth. In addition, he has tips for teaching effective oral habits.

What is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

The purpose of National Children’s Dental Health Month is to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of oral wellness for little ones. The month-long observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.

The theme for this year is, “Defeat Monster Mouth.” So your efforts to encourage your kiddos to adopt better oral habits will definitely help to accomplish this national goal.

5 Ways to Celebrate Your Kids’ Oral Health

• Buy New Toothbrushes – The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you buy new toothbrushes every three to four months, so it’s great to make February a designated time to take your children to a local store to purchase replacements. By allowing your kiddos to pick out their favorite design or one with a cartoon character they like, you are indirectly generating excitement about practicing oral hygiene.
• A Coloring Chart – The ADA also offers coloring pages and activities online that you can print and provide your children with a fun way to remind themselves to brush and floss their teeth. They can hang the chart in the bathroom to provide a constant reminder.
• Do a Brushing Checkup – You can also make a fun event out of checking on how well your children are brushing their teeth by giving them rewards for compliance. It’s also a great opportunity to remind them of what steps they should be taking to maintain the best oral hygiene habits.
• Show Them the Plaque – Some people say, “Show me the money.” Well for your little ones, you may need to show them the bad guys by using plaque-disclosing tablets. They leave colored spots where there is plaque, which provides an awesome way to give your kids a visual perspective of how important it is to maintain the right habits. They’ll also have fun with looking into the mirror and seeing their strangely speckled teeth.
• Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist – National Children’s Dental Health Month is also a great time to schedule an appointment with your family dentist, making it into a big event around your house, and creating anticipatory energy for your children. This is also a great way to get them accustomed to visiting the dentist so that this valuable habit will be engrained into their minds throughout their adult lives.

One of the great things about children is that they are so malleable, so just know that all of your efforts to encourage them to practice the best oral habits possible aren’t in vain. Even if they fall a little short, just continue to encourage them to improve and offer rewards when they do.

And if you have any other questions, just reach out to your family dentist in Blaine today and the staff will be glad to schedule appointments for the whole family!

About the Author

Dr. Douglas Green earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and has since gone on to practice in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for the past 19 years. He offers comprehensive care for the entire family at Imagine Smiles and can be reached for more information through his website.