How to Protect Your Child’s Oral Health During Quarantine

If you have children, chances are they are out of school in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While keeping them out of school is the best way to prevent them (as well as your other family members) from getting sick, a child without a routine is more likely to skip habits that are very important to their oral health. To make sure they don’t snack on sugary sweets or lose track of their oral hygiene during quarantine, keep these tips from a pediatric dentist in Pleasant Grove in mind!

Brushing and Flossing Alongside Them

When you show your child how much you care about your oral health, they’re far more likely to take it seriously. One of the best ways to do this is by brushing alongside them, showing them how you keep your teeth and gums clean every day. If your child struggles to brush on their own, there are multiple ways to help them along the way. For example, you can lie them on their back, sit them on your lap, or stand behind them as you help them brush. If they need handheld floss picks to get them into the habit of flossing, consider these products as well.

Searching for Fun Videos About Brushing

There are tons of free videos online specifically designed to make brushing and flossing more fun! Some include fun songs you can sing with your child as you brush, many of which are at least two minutes long (which is how long you should be brushing.) You can also turn brushing into a game by saying plaque and germs are villains and your child’s toothbrush is their sidekick. Create a reward system at home designed to create positive reinforcement for practicing daily brushing and flossing.

Start Changing Their Diet for the Better

While oral care is an important part of preventing cavities and gum disease, you’ll also want to make sure that their diet is in order, especially considering that they will be spending far more time at home. To reduce their risk for dental disease, make sure to:

• Eliminate or dramatically reduce the amount of sugary drinks in your house. This includes soda, lemonade, sports drinks, and even 100% juice boxes. Opt for plain water, milk or whole fruit instead.
• Include more fruits and vegetables in their diet, including apples, carrots, broccoli, peppers, and bananas. These foods contain water and fiber, which is important for making them feel full.
• Stay away from heavily processed foods and opt for whole versions of foods instead when you can.
• Spend more time cooking at home! Not only is this a great way to manage how much sugar is in the foods you serve your children, but it’s a great way to spend more time with them as well!

With these tips in mind, you can not only make oral care easier while your child is stuck at home, but you can teach them important lessons on oral care and diet along the way.

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Our dentists at Bear Creek Family Dentistry take pediatric dental care very seriously, especially during these difficult and uncertain times. As experts in dentistry, our team members love helping children improve their at-home care and making dental visits a fun and educational experience. if you have questions about managing your child’s dental care at home or you need to reschedule their recent checkup, we encourage you to contact our office through our website.