5 Tips to Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is Children’s Dental Health Month? It’s time to help your little one celebrate! The best way to do this is to help them understand why dental health is so important as well as what they can do to keep their smiles in good condition. Keep reading to learn about five ways that you can help your child celebrate this month with good oral health and hygiene.

Tip #1: Help Them Brush Twice Daily

Though many people are aware of how important it is to brush their teeth twice per day, a lot of them don’t do it as much as they’re supposed to. Be sure to teach your child about proper brushing from an early age. Help them do it until they are old enough to do it on their own. Consider buying fun toothpaste flavors or toothbrushes with their favorite colors or characters on them to make brushing more enjoyable.

Tip #2: Make Sure They Floss Daily

Along with brushing, flossing is also key to maintaining good oral hygiene. Teach your child about flossing at least once per day, preferably before they go to bed. This will remove plaque stuck between their pearly whites as well as food particles. It’s best to do this before brushing to loosen up the debris.

Tip #3: Have Then Drink Water

Water does wonders for the body, and that includes your little one’s smile. Drinking water will help your child’s mouth stay moist, which will lower their risk of oral health problems like cavities and tooth decay. It will also wash away harmful oral bacteria and food particles. Encourage your little one to pick water over soda, juice, and other sweet or acidic beverages.

Tip #4: Watch What They Eat

Foods like cookies, cake, chips, and candy are favorites of many children, unfortunately, the sugar in these foods feeds the harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities. Fortunately, there are many delicious foods that promote better oral health, such as:

• Apples, pears, celery, carrots, and other fresh, crisp fruits and veggies
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Nuts, like almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, and walnuts
• Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel
• Lean meats, like turkey and chicken

Tip #5: Take them to See Their Dentist

Make a point of setting up biannual pediatric dental visits for your child. Pediatric dentists specialize in all things related to growing smiles and can administer the care your child needs to keep their pearly whites healthy, such as checkups, cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments.

About the Practice

Dr. Maggie Davis & Associates is here to help you help your child take the best possible care of their smile. Dr. Maggie Davis, Dr. Lorielle Alter, and Dr. Eva Dupay offer young patients in the Palm Harbor area a variety of treatments to keep oral health issues at bay. They can also give you oral hygiene tips during Children’s Dental Health Month and beyond. If you are ready to learn more about their services or want to set up an appointment, call Dr. Maggie Davis & Associates’ office at (727) 786-7551 or visit their website.