Teaching the value of dental hygiene during Children’s Dental Health Month

Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? February is a perfect time to be reminded just how important healthy smiles are for growing kids. Good habits are essential and start early. When children grow with these habits, they set a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

As a teacher and mother of two, here are five steps that have been successful with the kids in my life:

1. Pick tooth-friendly snacks. When planning school snacks, choose those that will promote teeth health. For example, crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and celery clean teeth naturally. Limiting sugary snacks should also be an important part of your snack-time strategy.

2. Add fun to dental routines. Allow your child to pick out toothpaste flavors and new toothbrushes with desired designs. Go the extra mile with sticker charts, rewards or family brushing time together.

3. Discuss dental health often. It’s easy to assume our kids will just naturally know that brushing their teeth is good for them. Ensure this is the case by having conversations discussing specific benefits, reading books about it or even watching videos.

4. Promote water intake. Water helps rinse away food particles while strengthening tooth enamel. Remind your kiddos to stay hydrated while keeping oral health a priority.

5. Lead by example. As parents, we are the number one role model in our children’s lives. For them to care about something or be driven to do something, they need to see us modeling it. Make dental health a family habit. Make sure you not only talk about having healthy teeth, but demonstrate it by brushing and flossing in front of your children or with them, and always choosing healthy snacks.

For more information on children’s dental health and to download dental worksheets for the home or classroom, visit Healthy Smile Learning. Arizona PBS has partnered with Delta Dental Institute to share resources about healthy smiles for children. Find information on brushing and flossing, the impact of bacteria and germs in our mouths, nutrition for healthy teeth, tips on going to the dentist and more.

What are some oral hygiene habits your family takes part in that have been successful? Share your habits with us on the Arizona PBS Kids Facebook page!

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (6). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.