Children’s Dentist Helps You Make the Most of Children’s Oral Health Month

February is National Children’s Oral Health Month. This annual observance is all about encouraging parents and kids alike to recognize just how important it is to keep young smiles healthy and strong. But just how can you get into the spirit of this month? Your children’s dentist in Torrance offers some useful tips that will help you instill lifelong good habits in the youngest members of your family.

Set a Good Example

One of the primary ways children learn is by observing. If you let your kids see that you have an excellent oral hygiene routine, they’ll want to be just like you. They may even want to be right next to you as you’re brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visiting your dentist in Torrance.

You can also set a great example when it comes to diet. Kids love sugar and pretty much everything else that isn’t good for their mouth or any other part of their body. By making a family effort to eat right, you can help your children learn to love veggies, calcium-rich foods, and other goodies that will benefit them from their teeth to their toes.

Explain the Why

You might tell your kids day in and day out that sugar is bad for them and that it’s important to brush their teeth, but do you tell them why? Use age-appropriate vocabulary to explain the facts behind how things like tooth decay and bad breath happen, or find online resources that will help you get your point across.

You might also find photographs that illustrate the consequences of not sticking to good habits. You don’t want to give them nightmares about their teeth falling out, but instilling a bit of healthy fear in them can go a long way toward influencing their actions for the better.

Make It Fun

Brushing and flossing can seem a little tedious, especially for kids, who would rather be playing games or building blanket forts in their bedroom. But oral hygiene doesn’t have to be a drag. To build up some enthusiasm for oral care, try the following:

• Let your child choose their own toothbrush. They might get excited about one that’s electric or that features their favorite character.
• Find a song for them to brush their teeth to. It could be a tune that is specifically about oral hygiene or just any melody that they love.
• Offer rewards. If your kid sticks to good habits for a set amount of time, offer to take them someplace special.
• Visit the dentist. If you find a dental professional who loves kids and knows how to work with them, biannual cleanings and checkups can be enjoyable for your young ones.

February is the month of love—and the month of loving children’s teeth. Let’s work together to help your child have a smile that just won’t quit.

About Blue Coast Dental Group

The talented dentists in our office love to work with patients of all ages, and they give children the gentle and compassionate care that they need and deserve. If it’s time for your child’s next checkup, or you have questions about what’s best for your baby’s teeth, please contact us at 310-424-3100.