Dental care is important all year round, but it’s especially important during the holidays. Kids are often excited about Christmas, and it can be a great time to get them excited about dental care as well! Here are 5 tips that will help you get your kids excited about dental care this Christmas.

The Importance of Starting Dental Care Young

Make sure your kids are aware of the importance of dental care from an early age. Teach them about how important it is to take care of their teeth with regular brushing and flossing, as well as visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. Taking the time to educate your children about oral hygiene will help them understand why it’s important to take care of their teeth.

Common, But Preventable, Dental Problems in Kids

Kids are prone to common dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. However, these issues can be prevented with proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily.

Cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

Get Your Kids Excited About Dental Care This Christmas With These 5 Tips

1. Fun Dental Care Activities

Encourage your children to have fun with dental care by setting up activities that involve brushing, flossing and even playing dentist! Let them pretend to be a dentist and check the teeth of their stuffed animal friends. You could also print coloring books or word searches related to dental care to get them engaged and learning about oral hygiene.

2. Special Dental Care Supplies

Getting special supplies like toothbrushes with their favorite characters or flossers shaped like animals can make brushing and flossing more fun for your kids. You could also invest in a water pick, which is a great way to encourage your kids to floss more often.

3. Dental Care Stickers and Rewards

Rewarding your children for taking care of their teeth can be a great way to make brushing and flossing fun! You could give them stickers or even small rewards when they do a good job brushing and flossing. This can help make dental care something they look forward to, instead of dread.

4. Make Brushing and Flossing a Family Affair

Brush and floss with your children as often as you can so that they can see how important it is for everyone in the family. This will also give you a chance to demonstrate proper techniques and answer any questions they may have.

5. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the best ways to get your kids excited about dental care this Christmas. This will give them a chance to meet their dental team, learn more about oral hygiene in a fun environment, and have their teeth professionally cleaned.

How to Care For Your Child’s Teeth at Home

Clean your baby’s gums after every meal by wiping them with a damp rag or cloth. This step will remove bacteria and food particles from the gums.

Once teeth start to develop, place a very small amount (about the size of a rice grain) of fluoride toothpaste on a damp cloth, and gently clean your baby’s teeth.

Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle. Babies who sleep with a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juice, or other drink can develop severe tooth decay. If you must put your baby to bed with a bottle, fill it with cool water.

Toddler age is a good time to begin teaching your child how to brush his or her own teeth. Let your child imitate how you brush your teeth. You can also try brushing each other’s teeth. Help your child brush so you can remove food particles he or she may have missed.

Family Dental Care at Mountain Aire Dentistry

Mountain Aire Dentistry is here to help you get your kids excited about dental care this Christmas. We offer a wide variety of services, from checkups and cleanings to orthodontics, so that you can find the best solution for your family’s dental needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!