February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a perfect time to focus on the importance of good oral hygiene habits for growing smiles! After all, encouraging children to care for their teeth from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiling. One great way to make brushing and flossing more enjoyable is by choosing the right dental hygiene products specifically designed for kids. Here are some ideas that your child’s dentist thinks you should consider.
1. Ensure They Have a Kid-Friendly Toothbrush
Letting your child pick out their own toothbrush can make a big difference in how they perceive oral healthcare – you’re giving them agency right off the bat. Plus, these brushes are designed for small hands to hold, meaning they’ll be able to manipulate them as needed to clean their teeth. It’s also worth mentioning that there’s a wide range of kid-friendly electric toothbrushes out there – these have been proven to clean teeth more effectively than their traditional manual counterparts, and they come in just as many colorful and fun designs that kids are sure to love. Some even play music to make the whole process exciting!
2. Consider Non-Traditional Floss Options
Flossing is just as important as brushing – the habit clears away any bacteria or food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach. However, children may not always have an easy time using traditional flossing strands. Luckily, there are plenty of kid-friendly flossers out there that make the task easy and fun for children. There are kid-versions of plastic dental flossers that many adults use, with precut strands of floss. There are also flavored dental flosses if your kid isn’t a fan of the usual mint flavor. There are even uniquely designed options like GumChucks, which essentially turn flossing into a mini-game that kids love. Oral irrigators are also always a solid choice. Whatever the option you select, just be sure to help your child adopt the habit!
3. A Timer Can Go a Long Way
Your child should be brushing and flossing twice a day – but more importantly, these brushing sessions need to be two to three minutes long to ensure that the habit is effective. A timer can go a long way towards ensuring they’re brushing for as long as needed. Some toothbrushes have one built in, but a stand-alone option that your child knows how to work will instill the habit in them – and you might even end up using it yourself!
This Children’s Dental Health Month, take the time to refresh your child’s oral care routine – and don’t hesitate to find other ways of making it more engaging for them. A little encouragement now can lead to a lifetime of happy, healthy smiling.
About the Practice
Our team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has served families in Worcester and the surrounding area for several years, proudly offering a wide variety of pediatric dental services for children of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please feel free to reach out online or by phone today for more information. Telephone: (508) 290-0090.