CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and this year’s official slogan is “Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a healthy smile.” Kellogg Dental knows that children need specialized dental care. It can be just as difficult to encourage healthy dental habits in your kids as it can be to get them to eat their vegetables! That’s why our team strives to educate children and their parents about the benefits of good oral health using age-appropriate activities.

Your kids may not particularly enjoy being educated about the importance of brushing twice a day, but a fun activity may help keep their attention. Dental themed coloring books, crossword puzzles, and even board games all work to teach kids about healthy dental care habits in ways that engage their mind and memory.      

Establishing nightly routines also help to form good dental habits that will last a lifetime. When your child is young, you can set up a reward chart to provide additional encouragement for sticking to their nightly brushing and flossing routine.

Healthy oral habits extend beyond brushing and flossing. Your family’s diet plays a big part in maintaining good oral health. Consuming healthy foods that are rich in calcium and vitamins can help your kids develop strong, healthy teeth and gums.   

Still struggling to come up with a fun, educational way to encourage healthy dental care habits in your child? In addition to the ADA website, you can find other kid-friendly resources, such as games and TV shows, which educate kids about healthy dental and eating habits. For example, Sesame Street has a few music videos with Elmo and friends singing about how to keep their teeth healthy and strong!     

This month is also a great opportunity to help anxious kids prepare for their trip to the dentist. As parents, working with your kid on a few of these activities can help them open up about their fears with the people they trust most: you. You can also check out your community bulletin for events that focus on dental health and take your kids to help them get more comfortable with local dental practices.

Kellogg Dental knows how important proper dental care is for every child. Our team goes above and beyond to provide a safe, comfortable environment where anxious kids can experience a positive dental visit. Is your child nervous about going to the dentist? We can help. Request an appointment with Kellogg Dental today!