At the dinner table, what your child wants to eat and what is healthy may not frequently overlap. What if you could give them a present they enjoyed that was also good for them? It can be done – you should consider stocking stuffers that promote their oral health.
Read on to learn gift ideas from your dentist in Raleigh that encourage kids to take good care of their teeth, plus some suggestions for their oral hygiene routine.
Snacks That Aren’t Hard on Their Teeth
Your child is probably hoping Santa brings some milk chocolate or sour candy, but it sure would be great if Saint Nick also left some healthier treats that are still tasty like their favorite variety of nuts, some raisins, and maybe some sugarless gum that’s the same flavor as their favorite fruity candy. Even if Santa still gives them some of the sugary candy, if they’ll chew the gum afterward that’s a big win.
Good-Tasting Toothpaste and Mouthwash
If the last suggestion was fun for their eyes, this one is fun for your child’s taste buds. If minty dental products don’t get them fired up, there are kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes, and floss varieties with sweet flavors like strawberry and bubblegum. Just make sure the ones you select have the American Dental Association Seal of Approval and contain fluoride. Children younger than six shouldn’t use mouthwash and if your child is younger than two, ask your dentist what toothpaste varieties are safe for them to use.
A Toothbrush That Looks Cool
A toothbrush that features Batman, Dora the Explorer, or your child’s favorite character is going to win them over and hopefully get them excited enough to brush twice a day. Some toothbrushes sing, and maybe an electric toothbrush can have your son thinking “I’m a big boy now!”
Tips for Your Child’s Oral Hygiene Routine
When your child brushes their teeth, try to get them to do so for two minutes each morning and evening using a circular motion on all sides of each tooth. It’s okay for children to start flossing as soon as their teeth grow close together, but you should show them how to protect their gums.
If you’re a good storyteller, a tale about the villainous plaque monster and the heroic floss might be just what your child needs to hear to excitedly save the day. When they are old enough for mouthwash, perhaps have a silly face competition with them as you both swish it around.
You probably noticed a common theme in this post – every child is more likely to do something when they see the fun in it. Whatever you do, keep it interesting and there’s a better chance they’ll adopt some good oral health habits that will pay big dividends for their teeth as they are growing up. Last, but certainly not least, be sure to schedule a cleaning and exam for them twice each year with your children’s dentist in Raleigh so that you know for sure their teeth are also “having fun”!
About the Practice
At Christine D. Laster DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our focus is on providing dental services that are comprehensive and conservative, not unnecessary. Our team works hard to incorporate services, techniques, and technologies that make your visits more convenient. We welcome patients of all ages and we’ll be ready if you ever have a dental emergency. Getting your child gifts they enjoy can be a challenge, but it’s worth a shot to try with some items that can improve their oral health and encourage them to develop good habits. When it’s time to schedule a dental cleaning and exam for anyone in your household, you can make an appointment on our website or call (919) 787-0355.