Start the New Year Right with Great Oral Health Habits

If the previous year was a struggle in getting the little ones to take care of their teeth, the New Year is the perfect time to start everything on the right note and undo a lot of the bad habits developed due to inconsistencies and failing to be firm about oral health.

Getting your kids back on the right track, as far as oral health is concerned, shouldn’t be too hard. The key here is to be consistent in order for good habits to form. To help you with this goal for the New Year, here are ways you can help improve the young ones’ oral health:

Brush and floss together

Since you’re the one who completely understands how these two are done properly, frequently demonstrate to your kids how to do these two tasks right. When you do this, you also will be able to see if the little ones are brushing and flossing correctly.

Tape an “expiry date” for the family’s toothbrushes

Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months (maybe earlier if the kids get sick). By attaching a little note to the toothbrush (or just writing on it with a Sharpie) that indicates when it should be replaced, your kids can take responsibility in reminding you when it’s toothbrush-shopping time.

Prepare healthier meals and snacks for the kids

Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your children’s diet. This will not only strengthen their teeth but it can also boost their immune system so oral health issues can be prevented. Avoid starchy and sugary foods because these are most responsible for plaque buildup and bad breath.

Encourage them to drink more water and eliminate sugary drinks

Water cleanses the mouth and is more refreshing. While it can be a boring drink, you can make it more interesting for the little ones by having them use cute water bottles. If you are going to buy juice, opt for the low sugar option. Also, remember that milk is high in sugar. While it may be a healthy option be sure to encourage your kids to avoid milk at bedtime.

Let the kids use the oral care products they’re interested in

If there’s a new toothpaste they want to try or cute toothbrushes they want to switch to, indulge them if you can. Doing so will create a positive oral care experience for them.

Reward good dental habits

Children like to be recognized when they do something right and rewarding them for that will encourage them to continue doing the activity correctly. At Surfside Kids Dental, our Jr. Surfclub is a fun and rewarding wat to encourage our pediatric dental patients to be proactive with their oral health care. We reward our members ages 7-18 with contests, prizes and more to reward their hard work.