Practicing social distancing is the best way to keep you and your family healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it can be easy for your son or daughter to forget about taking care of their oral health while they’re stuck inside without their normal routine. The last thing you need is for your child to develop a cavity while the world is on lockdown! Your kid’s dentist in Naperville, IL shares eight ways you can help your little one take care of their smile while they’re stuck at home.
Tip #1: Keep Brushing Regularly
Even though your family’s daily life probably looks very different now, don’t let regular toothbrushing fall by the wayside. Having your child brush their teeth every morning and night is a familiar routine that will keep their smiles healthy and their minds a little more at ease.
Tip #2: Make Toothbrushing Fun
Encourage your child to look forward to brushing their teeth by making it more entertaining for them. Try reading to them or letting them listen to a catchy song as they brush for two minutes twice a day.
Tip #3: Conserve Their Toothpaste
To avoid extra trips to the store, make sure your son or daughter isn’t using too much toothpaste. Children over the age of six only need a drop the size of a pea to thoroughly clean their teeth.
Tip #4: Cook Healthy Meals Together
Making meals with your child is an excellent way to keep them entertained and productive. It’s also an excellent opportunity to teach them about nutrition and its connection to oral health.
Tip #5: Put Snacks Away
If sugary treats and unhealthy foods are easy to access, your little one is much more likely to snack on them throughout the day. Reduce their risk of cavities and keep these treats put away and out of sight.
Tip #6: Track Healthy Habits
Help your son or daughter keep track of their oral health habits with a goal tracker. This lets them see their own progress, and you can motivate them further by setting healthy goals for them to work towards.
Tip #7: Set a Good Example
Be a good role model to your child by brushing your teeth alongside them. Studies show that children are much more likely to practice healthy habits when they see their parents leading by example. Additionally, this ensures you’re taking the time to care for your oral health as well!
About the Practice
At Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we understand just how special and unique your child’s smile is. During every appointment, you can expect attentive, specialized care from a highly experienced pediatric dentist in Naperville, IL who is trained to care for growing smiles and help kids get excited about oral health care. Your little one’s health and safety are our number one concern, which is why we use mercury-free materials, low-dose digital X-rays, and gluten-free toothpaste. If you have questions about taking care of your child’s oral health in quarantine, or if your child is experiencing a dental emergency, please contact us via our website or at (630) 995-3393.