Nothing melts your heart like your child's precious smile! As a parent, you want to protect that sweet smile. Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, your dentist in Tampa, FL, has some tips on how to celebrate while also educating your little one about their smile and the importance of good oral health. Here are some tips!
Promoting Healthy Smiles at Home
You can start brushing your little one's teeth as soon as they arrive around or before age one. Parents can use a soft, infant-sized toothbrush and toothpaste that's safe to swallow to get children used to daily tooth brushing.
Parents should be involved in their child's brushing routine until around age eight or nine to ensure that kids use proper techniques, floss once a day, and brush for the recommended two minutes.
Here are some additional tips for promoting excellent dental health through the years:
- Combine Songs and Brushing — Use a fun two-minute song to make brushing fun and ensure your little one brushes for two minutes.
- Choose Exciting Tools — When they're old enough, let your child pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste. There are many fun styles of toothbrushes, whether you're choosing manual or electric, and appealing flavors of toothpaste for kids.
- Serve Tooth-Friendly Snacks — Instead of cookies or chips, offer your child snacks like apples, raw veggies, or cheese that are healthier for their body and smile.
- Use a Rewards Chart — Offer small rewards like an ice cream treat or movie to older children when they complete a week of consistent and effective brushing and flossing.
- Visit Your Dentist — Consistent visits to your Tampa dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings are important for your child's oral health and well-being.
If it's time to book your child's next dental appointment, contact North Tampa Dentistry at (813) 968-5368. We love caring for young smiles!