Empower Kids to Care About Teeth

Establishing a good dental hygiene is important!

If you are the parent of a small child, you've already discovered that establishing habits early saves a lot of grief later. Did you know that you can begin motivating children toward good oral health practices as young as two years of age?

According to an article on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website, 40–50% of children "will be affected by tooth decay by age five." Such conditions can mean loss of school hours for a child and loss of work hours for parents. Taking a little time here and there to begin oral health training could save your child from needless suffering and save parents time and money.

Here are a few tips for making dental care more fun:

•	Help apply the correct amount of toothpaste, about the size of a pea, and brush your teeth alongside your child
•	Buy your child a toothbrush with a small head and extra-soft bristles
•	Let your child choose a toothbrush
•	While your child brushes, play a favorite song or tell a two-minute story to establish the recommended length of time for brushing
•	Make sure each day includes crunchy vegetables and fruits. Offer these when you know your child is hungry
•	Schedule regular checkups and encourage your child to ask the dentist a question or two. We love to talk with kids about anything–not just teeth!