6 Tips for a Healthier Smile
We love Healthy Habits here at Smart Kids. That’s why we’re not afraid to tackle the hard-hitting stories like dental hygiene.
But seriously. Think about how much candy your kids are about to ingest… Valentine’s Day is coming! Then think about what that does to their teeth.
Are you sure they’re really brushing well, or are they doing what I did and –shall we say– streamlining the process? Stand in front of the bathroom sink. Apply toothpaste to brush. Rub teeth for ten seconds. Spit. Brush looks used? Yep. Breath smells like toothpaste? You betcha.
Before you freak out and send everyone to the bathroom right now to scrub their pearly whites, let us give you a few pointers that make it easier for everyone!
How often?
Brush {at least} twice daily and floss once. This gets rid of the food and plaque from your teeth.
Where to brush?
The crown (this includes each side of the tooth). Also brush your tongue and gum lines.
How long?
For at least 2 minutes. Snag a rockin’ toothbrush that plays 2 minutes of music so your child knows how long to keep brushing. I like the We Will Rock You (Queen) toothbrush, but there are tons of options from Beiber to VeggieTales. According to the reviews, this helps end the epic struggle over teeth-brushing!
How Much Toothpaste?
Kids get a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Remind them to spit out the toothpaste, not swallow it!
To Floss or Not to Floss?
Flossing can be a drag, but it doesn’t take much time AND I’ve heard it can actually increase your life expectancy. You read that right. So, teach kids to pull the floss against the sides of the tooth, forming the letter “c.” Carefully scrape each side of the tooth. Move to a clean area of floss and work the floss between each tooth. Let children practice the art of flossing with a piece of yarn moving in between your fingers.
You Are What You… Drink?
Encourage kids to only drink water after dinnertime. It helps keep the sugar from accumulating in their mouths and rinses away any dinner bits they might be… um… saving for later…
And Mom and Dad? Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, after an illness, or when the bristles become frayed or bent.
If you’re having trouble getting your child on board, try a little science experiment like my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Goodson:
We each had a glass, some soda, and a dirty penny. We plinked the penny in the bottom of the glass and drowned it in just enough soda to cover it. The next morning, what I discovered was enough to change my dental habits forever. The coke dissolved the layer of tarnish and grime from the penny! Mr. Goodson explained that when we don’t brush our teeth, bacteria in our mouths combine with sugar from food and drink to form an acid that eats away the surface of our teeth (enamel). Yikes!
Interested in instilling more healthy habits in your kids? Check out our Pinterest board for grooming called “Bath, Potty, Hair, and Teeth for Kids“!
(Note: Affiliate links included because we’re Smart Kids, too!)
About Julie Hunt
I’ve lived a full life with many unimaginable joys and heartache like you wouldn’t believe. Our blog exists to encourage folks to slow down, chill out, and love more.