In the Know for You to Know

Do you know over 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental related absences? Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease, but the good news is they are largely preventable. Keep your child smiling and in the classroom by building strong, healthy dental habits every day.

To help you achieve this, we’ve put together super practical teeth tips to encourage and ensure bright, healthy smiles.

Building Life Long Healthy Smiles

Investing in your child’s oral hygiene isn’t just about having clean teeth today. This lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and confident smiles.

The Foundation

• Brushing harder does not mean brushing better. Brushing too hard can actually wear down teeth and gums over time.
• Having trouble getting your child excited to brush? Try making it a group activity. Brushing together can turn a daily routine into something fun and help kids build healthy habits by following your lead.
• Rushing through brushing? Turn it into a game. Set a 2 minute timer, play their favorite song, or use a brushing app. Making brushing fun helps kids stick to good habits that last a lifetime. Remember, don’t rush when you brush.
• Want to make brushing even more special? Encourage independence for your older ones by creating a reward system such as a sticker chart, a special song, or a small toy prize for brushing independently. Using motivating words and phrases is a great way to kickstart your child’s independence.
• Even little gums need attention. Help your child brush along the gum line and floss once a day to remove food and plaque that can cause irritation. Healthy gums support strong teeth and confident smiles for years to come.
• Studies show that people who brush and care for their teeth are at a lower risk for heart disease and health problems. When children learn to take care of their oral health, they can establish habits that last a lifetime.
• The tongue plays an important role in your child’s oral health and even reflects their overall health. Keeping it clean with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper is a simple step that helps support a healthy, happy smile.
• Friendly reminder, Is it time for a new toothbrush? Toothbrushes should usually be replaced every 3 months or sooner if the bristles start to look frayed. When choosing a toothbrush for your child, look for one designed for smaller hands with a head size made for their mouths. Soft bristles are typically the best choice for keeping smiles clean and comfortable.
• When picking out a toothbrush for you or your child softer is the better choice. Soft or extra-soft bristles are gentle on tooth enamel and gentle on the gums, while still doing a great job removing plaque. Hard bristles will wear down enamel and irritate gums over time. Choosing a soft brush helps keep smiles clean, comfortable, and healthy everyday.
• Want to keep your toothbrush as clean as possible? Store it upright, make sure it’s not touching other brushes, and keep it in a cabinet or closet instead of out in the open air (especially near flushing toilets and sinks, yuck!). If you use a toothbrush cover, choose one with small holes so moisture can escape.

Preventing Cavities

• A little toothpaste goes a long way. Most people use more than they need. Using the right amount makes brushing safer and more effective. Children under age three only need a small smear of toothpaste, while older kids should use a pea sized amount. Small changes like this help build healthy brushing habits for a lifetime.
• One of the easiest ways to fight cavities is by drinking water. Drinking water after meals helps wash away leftover food that cavity causing bacteria love.

Establishing Positive Daily Routines

• Most school age kids are not getting enough sleep, and bedtime can feel like a whole event. If your child has trouble winding down, try turning off screens a little earlier and keeping the same simple routine each night. The more consistent it is, the easier bedtime gets. And of course make brushing and flossing part of the routine so their smile is ready for their sweet dreams.

Lifestyle Choices Support Oral Health

• Can you use a smile today? Just 1 little smile? Smiling naturally boosts all the feel good hormones that improve mood and reduce stress. It has even been linked to supporting your immune system. A simple smile can go a long way, so keep sharing yours!

What To Remember

Today, kid’s oral health emphasizes not only preventive care but also creating positive habits and experiences. Dental professionals encourage using age appropriate toothbrushes, exploring toothpaste brands, and incorporating fun routines.

Investing your time in your child’s oral hygiene isn’t just about having clean teeth today. This lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and confident smiles. When children learn early, they develop both responsibility and self care routines that extend into their adulthood.

Are you ready to put these tips into action? Share your tips and experiences that has worked your child. Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!