During National Children’s Dental Health Month, we turn over our blog to Mojo, the Monkey, our resident kids’ oral health expert! 🐒✨
Hey parents!
Every year, Dr. Wheatley and the awesome team at Tecumseh Ridge Dental let me take over the blog to share my best tips for keeping your chompers clean and strong. This year, I’ve got some banana-brilliant advice to get your kids off on a great start to lifelong oral health 🍌🪥 Let’s go!
As parents, you love to see your children smile. Keeping those little teeth healthy is essential for their overall well-being and confidence. At Tecumseh Ridge Dental, we believe that early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Here’s a fun and informative guide to help keep your child’s teeth sparkling clean and cavity-free!
Start Early: The First Steps to Healthy Teeth
- Baby Teeth Matter! Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, they play a crucial role in speech development, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into place.
- The First Toothbrush: As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears (around six months), begin brushing with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- First Dental Visit: Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday to ensure early detection of any issues.
Make Brushing & Flossing Fun
- Sing a Song: To keep your child engaged, play a two-minute song while they brush. Find some of our favorites here.
- Brush Together: Set a great example by brushing and flossing alongside your child.
- Flossing Fun: Once teeth touch, introduce flossing using fun, kid-friendly flossers in different colors and shapes.
- DIY Toothbrushing Chart: Use our printable brushing chart to track morning and bedtime brushing. Kids can earn stickers or small rewards for consistent brushing! Or download our Toothbrushing Chart.
Smart Snacking for Strong Teeth
- Best Choices: Cheese, yogurt, crunchy veggies, and nuts help keep teeth healthy and strong.
- Limit Sugary Snacks: Sticky candies, juice, and soda can lead to cavities. Swap them for fresh fruit and water.
- Drink Up! Encourage water over sugary drinks to keep teeth clean and hydrated.
Protect Those Precious Smiles
- Fluoride Power: Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste and check if your water supply contains fluoride.
- Mouthguards for Active Kids: If your child plays sports, a mouthguard can protect their teeth from injury.
- Regular Checkups: Routine dental visits every six months help catch and prevent problems early.
Make Dental Visits a Positive Experience
- Talk Positively: Avoid using words like “pain” or “shot.” Instead, talk about the dentist as a fun and friendly helper.
- Role Play at Home: Let kids play “dentist” with their toys to make visits feel familiar.
- Praise & Reward: After a successful visit, give a high-five, a sticker, or a small treat to reinforce the experience.
Bonus! Download Our Printable Toothbrushing Chart
To help your child stay on track, we’ve created a fun and colorful toothbrushing chart you can print and use at home. Let them check off each brushing session and celebrate their progress!
By making dental care fun and consistent, you can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. And don’t forget about those regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups, Tecumseh Ridge Dental is here to help. Schedule your next appointment at 405-857-6453.
Learn more about family dentistry at Tecumseh Ridge Dental in Norman.
More by Mojo:
How much does the Tooth Fairy pay?
When should I start worrying about my baby’s teeth?
