February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

February is about much more than hearts and chocolates—it’s also National Children’s Dental Health Month! It’s the perfect reason to take a break from Valentine’s Day class parties and conversation hearts to appreciate your son or daughter’s smile. To keep that precious smile happy and healthy for the rest of their life, it’s important that you set them up with great dental habits now. Here are some practical tips from your pediatric dentist in Birmingham to make oral healthcare fun and exciting for your little one!

Introduce Them to A Great Pediatric Dentist

Your child’s teeth are much different than your own adult ones. They have less protective enamel and play a key role in the development of their jaw and permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists take two to three additional years of training after their four years of dental school to learn how to identify and treat dental development issues in children specifically.

The specialized training of a pediatric dentist also covers child psychology and emotional development. This lets them create a kid-friendly environment that will help your son or daughter feel more at ease and enjoy the experience. When your child gets their first dental checkup before their first birthday, they are more likely to have a good first impression of all the new sights, sounds, and friendly faces at their pediatric dentist’s office. These positive memories will encourage them to continue getting their routine dental checkups as they grow.

Make Brushing A Fun Activity, Not a Chore

Get your child excited about taking care of their teeth at home with these tips:

• Play a two-minute song for them to listen to as they brush.
• Let them choose a new toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or a fun-flavored toothpaste, with your approval.
• Be a good role model and brush your teeth with them!

Reward Their Healthy Habits

You can help your child feel proud of taking care of their smile by rewarding their good habits. Try using a goal chart to let them keep track of their progress and work towards prizes like a new toothbrush, a small toy, or a fun activity. There are also plenty of smartphone apps that use popular cartoon characters, interactive features, and fun games to keep your child motivated and engaged.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is a great time to teach your son or daughter how to protect that precious smile. With a few fun, simple tips like the ones above, you can set your child up for a lifetime of great oral health.

About the Author

At the office of Angelic Rohner Pediatric Dentistry in Birmingham, AL, we inspire children to be enthusiastic about their dental health. Dr. Angelica Rohner is dedicated to creating a friendly environment that your child will be excited to come back to. Thanks to her specialized training as a pediatric dentist, she is uniquely skilled at providing excellent oral healthcare to children of all ages, from babies to adolescents. To learn more about why a pediatric dentist is the best choice for your child, feel free to reach her at her website or (205) 870-0892.