Give the Gift of Oral Health This Holiday Season

The excitement you felt as a child on Christmas morning was unlike almost anything else. Wondering if Santa did indeed visit and what presents he brought while you were sleeping – it was often difficult to fall asleep due to the anticipation you felt.

Your dentist in Duncanville has some ideas about stocking stuffers that will benefit your child’s oral health. If you can get them excited and more importantly, motivated, to take care of their teeth and gums, it can make all the difference!

Tasty Toothpaste and Mouthwash

If your child isn’t a fan of minty dental products, no worries, there are plenty of toothpaste, mouthwash, and even floss options with fruity, bubblegum, and other sweet flavors. Be sure to choose products that contain fluoride and look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. Children under age six shouldn’t use mouthwash and if your child is under age two, be sure to ask your dentist about which toothpaste types are safe for them.

Neat-Looking Toothbrush

A toothbrush is more fun when it features Spiderman, Elsa, or another character your child thinks is simply awesome. After all, you want them to be excited about using it morning and night. There are also toothbrushes that sing, and maybe an electric toothbrush will up the “cool factor” for your child.

Snacks That Will Keep Them off Santa’s Naughty List

Even if you do give the not-so-healthy, “naughty” treats with some chocolate and sour or hard candy to them, you can also give the “nice” with some tasty, healthier treats like raisins, nuts, and sugar-free gum. Obviously, the gum has the added benefit of being a great follow-up to clean their teeth if it is chewed after they’ve eaten candy.

How to Help Your Child Get Excited About Oral Care

When your child is ready for brushing their teeth, they should do so for two minutes each morning and evening with a circular motion on all sides of each tooth. Children can begin flossing as soon as their teeth fit close together. You’ll need to show them how. Maybe make the plaque a monster and the floss a hero in a short story to get them motivated. When your child is old enough for mouthwash, show them that it’s more fun to make a silly face while swishing it around their mouth!

Every parent knows that their child is more likely to do something when they think it’s fun. Whether it’s your choice of stocking stuffers or how you teach their oral hygiene routine, just keep it interesting and they’ll be more likely to embrace oral care. Be sure to schedule a dental visit for your child every six months and let them know that’s what big people do, too.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we strive to provide patients in Duncanville with optimal dental care, as well as patients who count on our other 11 office locations. Our team is comprised of general and pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists all working under one roof, so you’ll never have to worry about going elsewhere for a referral. Exceptional customer service is a priority for us, and we’ll help you maximize your insurance benefits or assist in your application for low or no-interest financing through CareCredit. Getting your child in the mindset that taking care of their teeth can be fun is a big deal because they’ll start brushing and flossing without you needing to tell them. When you visit for their dental cleaning and exam, or yours, ask our dentist for some more ideas on making oral care fun. You can schedule an appointment on our website or by calling (972) 331-8100.