If your children are like many others, they are currently spending more time at home than out with friends or at the local movie theater or parks. Covid-19 is causing more families to find ways to entertain and engage in the comfort of their living room, backyard, and kitchen. Even with school starting, many are choosing or need to stay home due to health concerns. With all this extra time your children are spending at home, what are you doing to ensure their smile stays healthy and strong? A pediatric dentist in Coppell shares 4 helpful tips for keeping your child’s teeth and gums decay- and disease-free.
1. Make Brushing and Flossing a Family Event
You can opt to stand and observe your child as they brush and floss their time each day, or you can make it more fun and enjoyable by cleaning your smile along with them! Whether it is turning on some music and having a dance party or turning it into a game, bringing the whole family together to practice good oral hygiene habits can be fun. Not only does it show your kids the importance of maintaining a healthy smile as they grow older, but it also allows you to set a positive example.
2. Make Sure They’re Not Using Too Much Toothpaste
For years, parents have sighed in disbelief when walking toward the bathroom sink. Looking down, they find numerous glops of toothpaste stuck to the porcelain and waiting to be scrubbed. For children learning how to brush their teeth on their own, knowing how much to use isn’t always easy. As a parent, make sure you are watching them when applying toothpaste to their brush. Kids over the age of 6 should receive a pea-sized amount while younger children should only receive a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste.
3. Cook Together in the Kitchen
This particular tip should include a bit of clarification. When bringing your child into the kitchen to cook meals together, make sure they are healthy menu items. If your little one has difficulty eating vegetables or is hesitant to try new foods, bringing them into the kitchen to help with the preparation and cooking will encourage them to taste new flavors while engaging in a fun and enjoyable activity. It also teaches them how good, nutritious food will help them maintain a healthy weight and beautiful smile.
4. Minimize Sweet and Starchy Snacking
When kids are at home, they are more apt to snack. Depending on the types of foods you keep in your home, this can be a good or bad thing. If the cabinets contain cookies, crackers, and other sugary or starchy options, this can be disastrous for their smile; however, if raw vegetables, fruit, leafy greens, and low-fat dairy products are what they’re munching on, these options can protect their teeth, strengthen the enamel, and help minimize the risk of decay and gum disease.
By adopting these helpful tips in your daily routine, you can help to ensure your child’s smile looks and feels it best throughout the summer and in preparation for the upcoming school year.
About the Practice
At Tranquil Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide compassionate, high-quality pediatric dental care for children in Coppell, TX and surrounding communities including Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville, and Flower Mound. Our team focuses on preventive care, patient education, and creating a positive dental experience so children feel comfortable and confident at every visit.
Led by Dr. Kimberly Tran, a board-certified pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, our practice is dedicated to helping children develop healthy smiles that support their overall growth and well-being.
If you have questions about your child’s dental health or would like to schedule an appointment with a trusted pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, our team is here to help.
📞 Call us at (972) 393-9779 or contact our office online to get started.