Our Peoria patients often worry about their children’s dental health. We get it. It can be hard to keep up with regular dental visits. And, it can be even harder to get kids motivated to keep their mouths clean.
The good news is, these 10 Children’s Dental Health Tips for Parents can go a long way to supporting a lifetime of healthy smiles!

1. Start early.

A few days after birth, start wiping baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth to prevent decay. Don’t stress if you missed this step with your child. It’s never too late to start a good oral hygiene routine.

2. Schedule a visit to the dentist when your child’s first tooth emerges.

Decay can start during infancy. Regular checkups help prevent possible cavities and other dental health issues before they become painful and costly. Again, don’t worry if you missed a visit after your kid’s first tooth showed up. Schedule an appointment with us today so we can make sure your child’s dental health gets—and stays—on track.

3. Make your children’s dental health routine consistent and fun.

Kids thrive with routine—and so does their dental health! Do your best to schedule brushing and flossing at specific times each day, like first thing in the morning and before bed. Cheer kids on as you help them brush and floss, and read on for other fun oral hygiene routine tips.

4. Add some music.

Music help kids feel inspired to brush. Music also helps kids brush for longer as they brush and floss along to the beat. Try out these American Dental Association favorites on your device during brushings to see what tunes resonate the most with your children.

5. Let kids choose their dental supplies.

Remember to change your children’s toothbrush every three months. When it’s time for a new toothbrush, do some research on kids’ dental supplies backed by the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, schedule a shopping trip with your little ones to choose their favorite toothbrush, floss and more.

6. Flossing is key to children’s dental health.

Flossing regularly can be tricky for anyone, especially kids! Make it easier and more pleasant, while keeping gum disease at bay, with kid-friendly flossers like DenTek Kids Fun Flosser Floss Picks. These flossers glide easily between little teeth and come in fun colors and shapes.

7. Reward good habits.

Whether it’s a special game, a sticker, or a story—reward your kids often for consistent brushing and flossing. Kids will associate oral hygiene with positive experiences, making them more likely to stick to good habits for years to come.

8. Brush—and floss—together.

Kids learn by observation. When you brush and floss as a family, you’ll reinforce proper brushing and flossing habits and get more quality time with your children. Plus, when you brush and floss together, you hold yourself accountable for keeping your own oral hygiene in check.  

9. Eat a mouth-healthy diet.

Hard, sticky, and sugary treats can be fine on occasion. Still, eating these foods can damage little smiles. To help minimize harm, be sure to keep bite-sized fruit, veggies, dairy, nuts and other mouth-healthy foods available for kids, along with plenty of water.

10. Ask us how to fit regular dental care into your schedules.

You and your children deserve to see us when it best fits your schedules. Check out our handy online appointment booker to schedule your next visit today. The sooner kids see us, the better we can take care of their smiles in the most affordable way.
Use these 10 Children’s Dental Health Tips for Parents every day to keep your kids smiles healthy. Even if you make just one tip a part of your children’s routine, you can help improve their oral health.