Children’s Dental Health Month

Every year, the American Dental Association celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month in February. During these four weeks, dental professionals and educators focus on promoting the benefits of practicing good oral hygiene to children, parents, caregivers, teachers, and others.

Drs. Vakili or Lam encourages involving the whole family in proper oral hygiene to make sure children learn at a young age the importance of properly caring for their teeth and gums. During Children’s Dental Health Month, try a few fun ways to get your child more involved in their dental health.

Have Your Child Choose a New Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Kids love having the opportunity to shop for and choose their toys and clothes. Shopping for a new toothbrush and toothpaste is no different, particularly with the wide range of choices available. Kid’s toothbrushes come in a wide range of colors and themes, including Disney and comic book characters and bright colors. Toothpaste comes in flavors like bubblegum, mint, and berry, but check to make sure the toothpaste has fluoride.

Your child may want to try a children’s electric toothbrush. These are a great way to motivate your child to brush their teeth longer. Electric toothbrushes also ensure effective cleaning. If your child isn’t a fan of flossing, consider a water flosser, which is also effective and more enjoyable than standard floss.

Brush With Your Child

Brushing your teeth at the same time as your child can be a great bonding moment. When they get ready for bed, take the time to brush your teeth when they do so you can make sure they are doing a thorough job. Demonstrate proper technique and make it a game. Kids will brush longer if they have someone brushing along with them, and you’ll know whether they are skipping over anything like flossing. And it certainly won’t do you any harm to brush your teeth an extra time!

Choose A Brushing Song

Most kids rush through brushing their teeth. It should take two minutes to brush their teeth thoroughly. Even adults are guilty of doing a quick brushing without spending enough time on each tooth. When cleaning your teeth, you must brush the front, back, and base of each tooth, particularly along the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate.

Put together a playlist of a few songs you and your child enjoy listening to, then listen to these each time you brush your teeth. If you finish brushing before the song ends, you need to spend more time brushing your teeth. Playing fun background music helps kids keep pace with their brushing, improving their oral hygiene.

Help Others Who Don’t Have Access to Dental Care

Helping others who don’t have access to proper dental care or oral hygiene tools can help your child understand how important it is to take care of their teeth and gums. America’s Tooth Fairy is a non-profit organization that provides education, tools, and access to care to underserved populations. Visit their “Get Involved” page to find ways you and your child can help others.

Schedule an Appointment with Drs. Vakili or Lam

Your child’s baby teeth are just as important as the permanent teeth that will come in later. Ensure their baby teeth don’t develop cavities by having them examined and cleaned twice a year. During Children’s Dental Health Month, remember to contact our office at San Mateo Office Phone Number 650-372-9292 to schedule an appointment for a dental exam and professional cleaning. Regular visits to our office now will help ensure your child’s oral health for a lifetime.