February is National Children’s Dental Health Month – a time to recognize the importance of oral health for kids. One of the ways you can ensure that your child’s smile stays healthy is to use the right dental products. That’s why your orthodontist has included some of their favorite items to keep around the house for children’s dental hygiene. Read on to see how you can help your little one care for their teeth for this month and beyond!
Pre-Strung Floss Picks
Nobody loves to floss, but it’s especially a chore for kids. If your son or daughter fights you every time to floss, or they simply can’t do it well on their own, pre-strung floss picks are a great resource. These easy to use products are cost-effective and they make it easier for your child to navigate their own smile. They only require the use of one hand, and you can teach your loved one to enjoy using their new tools for their teeth!
Fun (Electric) Toothbrushes
It’s a fact that children can’t brush their teeth as well as adults, so it’s important that you give your kids all the help they can get. Electric toothbrushes can effectively remove more plaque and bacteria with less effort compared to manual brushes. Plus, kids toothbrushes have more options than ever, making it fun to take your son or daughter to the store to pick out the product they like best.
Xylitol Gum
Kids love candy, sweets, and especially gum. However, gum has sugar that unnecessarily coats the teeth by getting in the saliva when it is chewed, increasing the risk of cavities and decay. That said, you can substitute your child’s favorite gum for xylitol. This is a healthy yet sweet alternative to sugar, and the best part is that your child won’t even know. You can also use xylitol when baking or for other sweets if you want to lower sugar intake.
Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash
Last but not least, keeping a mouthwash around the house can help your child enjoy a clean smile. Just make sure that it’s nonalcoholic and approved by the American Dental Association. Alcohol dries out the mouth, which promotes the growth of bacteria. But using the right mouthwash is a great way for kids to stay on top of their oral health, and it can give them the confidence of fresh breath before a routine checkup. Teach your little one that it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but an added step for a healthy smile.
Children need all the help they can get, especially in the oral health department. Add some of these products to your at-home dental hygiene arsenal to help your little one smile for National Children’s Dental Health Month and years to come.
Meet the Orthodontist
Dr. Justyna Balicka is a highly trained Board-Certified Orthodontist in Huntington who offers a wide range of services for patients of all ages. She takes pride in helping her young patients start good oral health habits early on so they can enjoy bright and beautiful smiles in the future. For any questions, she can be reached through her website or by phone at (631) 423-7857.