You remember what it was like to be a child and the excitement of Christmas morning. These days, the only thing better than giving your kids a gift they are excited about is giving them one they are glad to receive that also helps keep them healthy!
Your dentist in Medford has some ideas about stocking stuffers that can keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. Keep reading for suggestions to get the kiddos on board with oral care.
Cool-Looking Toothbrush
A toothbrush is more fun when it features Spiderman, Elsa, or another character your child thinks is simply awesome. After all, you want them to be excited about using it morning and night. There are also toothbrushes that sing, and maybe an electric toothbrush will up the “cool factor” for your child.
Delicious Toothpaste and Mouthwash
If your child isn’t a fan of minty dental products, no worries, there are plenty of toothpaste, mouthwash, and even floss options with fruity, bubblegum, and other sweet flavors. Be sure to choose products that contain fluoride and look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. Children under age six shouldn’t use mouthwash and if your child is under age two, be sure to ask your dentist about which toothpaste types are safe for them.
Snacks That Will Keep Them on Santa’s Nice List
Even if you do give the not-so-healthy, “naughty” treats with some chocolate and sour or hard candy to them, you can also give the “nice” with some tasty, healthier treats like raisins, nuts, and sugar-free gum. Obviously, the gum has the added benefit of being a great follow-up to clean their teeth if it is chewed after they’ve eaten candy.
How to Keep Your Child’s Oral Hygiene Routine Rolling Like a Downhill Snowball
When your child is ready for brushing their teeth, they should do so for two minutes each morning and evening with a circular motion on all sides of each tooth. Children can begin flossing as soon as their teeth fit close together. You’ll need to show them how. Maybe make the plaque a monster and the floss a hero in a short story to get them motivated. When your child is old enough for mouthwash, show them that it’s more fun to make a silly face while swishing it around their mouth!
Every parent knows that their child is more likely to do something when they think it’s fun. Whether it’s your choice of stocking stuffers or how you teach their oral hygiene routine, just keep it interesting and they’ll be more likely to embrace oral care. Be sure to schedule a dental visit for your child every six months and let them know that’s what big people do, too.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino has been working hard for patients in the Medford area since 1993 to provide excellent restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry. He received the Harvard Community Health Plan DIAMOND AWARD for excellence in patient care and staff satisfaction. He is a Fellow in the American College of Dentists. Dr. Giamberardino recognizes that getting a child enthusiastic about oral hygiene is the key to ensuring they take care of their teeth and gums. Do the best you can to get them excited about cleaning their teeth and then he can help take care of yours with a dental cleaning and exam. To make an appointment, visit his website or call (781) 396-3800.