You know you hit a home run as a parent on Christmas morning when your child gets that look of excitement after tearing the wrapping paper off a present or examining the goodies within their stocking. When you select a gift they enjoy that helps keep them healthy, you both win!
Read on to discover some ideas for stocking stuffers that encourage kids to take good care of their teeth, plus some suggestions for their oral hygiene routine, from your dentist in Melbourne.
Snacks That Are Teeth-Friendly
Your child is probably hoping Santa brings some milk chocolate or sour candy, but it sure would be great if Saint Nick also left some healthier treats that are still tasty like their favorite variety of nuts, some raisins, and maybe some sugarless gum that’s the same flavor as their favorite fruity candy. Even if Santa still gives them some of the sugary candy, if they’ll chew the gum afterward that’s a big win.
Taste Matters for a Child’s Toothpaste and Mouthwash
If the last suggestion was fun for their eyes, this one is fun for your child’s taste buds. If minty dental products don’t get them fired up, there are kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes, and floss varieties with sweet flavors like strawberry and bubblegum. Just make sure the ones you select have the American Dental Association Seal of Approval and contain fluoride. Children younger than six shouldn’t use mouthwash and if your child is younger than two, ask your dentist what toothpaste varieties are safe for them to use.
A Toothbrush That Looks Fun Will Get Used More
A toothbrush that features Batman, Dora the Explorer, or your child’s favorite character is going to win them over and hopefully get them excited enough to brush twice a day. Some toothbrushes sing, and maybe an electric toothbrush can have your son thinking “I’m a big boy now!”
Tips for Your Child’s Oral Hygiene Routine
When your child brushes their teeth, try to get them to do so for two minutes each morning and evening using a circular motion on all sides of each tooth. It’s okay for children to start flossing as soon as their teeth grow close together, but you should show them how to protect their gums.
If you’re a good storyteller, a tale about the villainous plaque monster and the heroic floss might be just what your child needs to hear to excitedly save the day. When they are old enough for mouthwash, perhaps have a silly face competition with them as you both swish it around.
You probably noticed a common theme in this post – every child is more likely to do something when they see the fun in it. Whatever you do, keep it interesting and there’s a better chance they’ll adopt some good oral health habits that will pay big dividends for their teeth as they are growing up. Last, but certainly not least, be sure to schedule a dental cleaning and exam for them twice each year so that you know for sure their teeth are also “having fun”!
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her dental doctorate from the University of Florida and has been working hard for patients in the Melbourne area since 1996. She’s an alumnus of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute, where both the doctor and her team have undergone extensive post-graduate training in a wide variety of techniques that are focused on cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Rose knows that the best way to get a child to take care of their teeth is to make their oral hygiene regimen enjoyable in some way. She looks forward to the opportunity to help your child learn the importance of optimal oral health from a young age. If it’s time for your little one’s first cleaning and exam or their next one, you can schedule an appointment on her website or call (321) 259-4666.