Toddler Dental Care Tips for Parents
Help Taking Better Care of Your Little One’s Teeth
When children go through their toddler years, it can often be a challenging time for parents – they don’t call it “terrible twos” for no reason! While children are busy learning and exploring the world around them, it can be hard to get them to stand still long enough to brush their teeth or really practice any of the parts of a proper oral hygiene routine. For those parents who are struggling to keep up with their child’s oral health and wish to establish a strong oral hygiene routine, here are some helpful tips!
Make it Fun!
Toddlers are all about playing, laughing, exploring, and having fun during this phase in their lives, so making their oral hygiene routine something fun and enjoyable can really help to get them on board with the process. It is recommended that toddlers have their teeth brushed twice a day with the help of an adult using a pea-sized amount of age appropriate toothpaste – this way, if they swallow it, it will not hurt their system. Flavored toothpastes like grape and bubble gum can make brushing more enjoyable for toddlers and parents alike and you can even add in a fun “teeth brushing” song or game too!
Offer a Smile-Friendly Diet
As children grow from babies to toddlers, they often begin trying new foods and expanding the variety of foods they eat throughout the day. Make sure to add healthy foods to your toddler’s diet including foods rich in calcium like cheese, vegetables, and fruit, which can help improve your child’s oral health. Additionally, consider cutting back on sugary juices and other sweets while also encouraging your little one to drink more water. This helps prevent the early onset of cavities.
See the Dentist
The toddler years are the perfect time to begin regular dental check-ups. Choose a dental practice that offers pediatric dentistry, and make sure to visit with the dentist as often as recommended, generally every six months. During these appointments, make sure to be upfront about any dental issues your child has and let the dentist know if you have any concerns. If you are struggling with getting your toddler on-board with a dental hygiene routine, the dentist is a great person to ask for advice, and he or she should be able to examine your child’s teeth and provide guidance on the best way to care for them.
If you or your toddler is in need of a dental appointment, you can always sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here.
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