Pediatric Dentistry: Make Oral Hygiene Fun

Tooth decay is among the top dental problems for pediatric dentistry. By age five, nearly 50% of children have one or more cavities. While many parents assume care for their children’s “baby teeth” is a lower priority over care for their adult teeth, that assumption is incorrect. Tooth decay in baby teeth can affect a child’s permanent teeth and lead to a number of dental issues down the line.

At Great Expressions, we believe caring for your teeth should be fun for your little one. To encourage healthy oral hygiene habits, we’ve listed 10 ways to enjoy the process and make dental care fun.

• Toss out your boring toothbrush and find one that fits his/her personality.
• When your child loses a tooth, make a special note or craft for the tooth fairy.
• Keep track of how many times your child brushes their teeth each day and at the end of the week, reward them with a no-cost prize like extra screen time or favorite dinner.
• Create a playlist of their favorite tunes to listen to while brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
• Ask your dentist for gingivitis tablets, and once a week, check the progress of your child’s brushing habits.
• Play ‘dentist’ and spend time brushing and flossing together. This will provide another opportunity for quality time during the busy week.
• Visit your local Great Expressions office and schedule an appointment to ensure your child’s mouth and gums are in top condition.
• Switch their toothpaste to try new flavors and colors.
• Start a nightly routine and stick to it.
• Encourage after lunch brushing with a buddy.

Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services or schedule an appointment here.