8 Tips to Help Your Child Care for Their Smile While at Home

Since the COVID-19 coronavirus is extremely contagious and doesn’t always cause symptoms, the best way to keep your family safe is to practice social distancing as much as possible. However, if your child is stuck inside without their normal routine, they may be more prone to losing track of their oral health! The last thing you need while the country is on lockdown is for your little one to eat too many sugary treats or forget to brush their teeth and end up with a cavity. Here are some tips from your local dentist for kids that can help keep your son or daughter’s smile healthy while they’re stuck at home.  

Tip #1: Practice Regular Dental Routines

Amidst all the drastic changes to your family’s daily schedule, don’t forget to encourage them to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day. Not only will this keep their smiles clean, but even a routine as simple as this can help retain a sense of normalcy and help keep their minds a little more at ease.

Tip #2: Make Toothbrushing More Fun

You can help your little one look forward to brushing their teeth by making it more fun! Let them read, dance, or listen to a song for two minutes to keep them entertained as they brush their teeth.

Tip #3: Monitor Their Toothpaste Use

Children over the age of six only need a drop of toothpaste the size of a pea to clean their teeth. Avoid a trip to the store and conserve their toothpaste by teaching them to only use the correct amount.

Tip #4: Create Healthy Meals Together

Teach your child valuable lessons about the relationship between food and oral health by involving them in creating meals. Together, you can ensure that the family is eating well-balanced, nutritional meals.

Tip #5: Keep Snacks Out of Sight

If sugary snacks are available to them, your son or daughter is more likely to mindlessly graze on them if they’re bored. Keep these treats away and out of sight to reduce their risk of tooth decay.

Tip #6: Track & Reward Healthy Habits

Create habit trackers like these ones from your pediatric dentist so your child has a visual representation of their dental habits. Consider setting healthy goals for them to reach for an extra incentive.

Tip #7: Set a Good Example

Lead by example and brush your teeth with your son or daughter every day. This will keep them engaged and allow you to observe their dental routine. Additionally, it ensures that you’re taking the time to care for your own oral health as well!

About the Author

At Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry in Birmingham, AL, we understand how much a healthy smile can influence your child’s quality of life. Dr. Angelica Rohner is a board-certified pediatric dentist, which means she has advanced training in caring for baby teeth, growing smiles, and the unique needs of children. The healthy and wellbeing of your son or daughter is always her top priority, which is why she’s made the difficult decision to temporarily postpone all non-emergency care for the time being. If your child needs urgent dental care or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact her via her website or at (205) 870-0892.