A healthy smile is one that we strive for so much in our kids. Kids notice each other smiles too, so parents need to make sure they are being aware of their kids brushing habits. Good oral hygiene is not only good for the healthy smile but also for the child’s health.
50 percent of children will have a cavity or filling between the ages of five and nine. Believe me, we are one of those statistics. Candy and soda are common culprits. My 6 year old will not drink any sodas. She has been that way since she was allowed to drink a soda. My 7 year old is only allowed one small glass of soda a day. I hope we can eventually push that to once every other day. Also, even though juice and milk seem healthier, remember they can be culprits as well.
Beginning a routine for oral care isn’t the easiest thing for parents, but you can add in extras to make it fun. Recently, we have began using the Listerine Agent Cool Blue. Use this rinse before brushing and it will tint the teeth blue. It will help kids brush harder to get the tint off their teeth. It keeps it a game too to encourage longer brushing. Another game is to play “Simon says” by calling out different parts of the mouth. Finish the brushing with a fluoride rinse such as the Listerine Smart Rinse as a family and see who can go the longest without laughing. Brushing should last two minutes and rinsing for 60 seconds. If it helps to play music, then find a fun song the kids will enjoy and play it each time.
Make sure to offer rewards for achieving brushing, flossing and rinsing goals. Parents can create a brushing chart and post it in the bathroom. The kids can follow their progress each time they brush their teeth. Let the kids post a sticker for each time they brush and floss their teeth. At the end of each month, you can reward and praise the kids for doing such a great job.
The America’s Tooth Fairy is on a mission to eliminate pediatric oral disease and promote overall health and well being for millions of children from vulnerable populations. Every child deserves a healthy smile. They have a campaign on their site for donations to help provide oral health care for underserved children. Since 2006, National Children’s Oral Health Foundation has distributed over $7 million in direct funding, donated dental products and technical resources to the Affiliate network. We all can help them to continue to reach underserved kids by any amount donation on the site.
As parents, let’s all work together to create more healthy smiles that will last a lifetime!
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of LISTERINE and REACH and received products to take the Oral Care Challenge. Mom Central Consulting also sent me a Global Giving gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
