Mom Tips and Tricks for Children’s Dental Health Month

toothbrush task force

Teaching your kids the importance of dental health at a young age could save you from paying out-of-pocket for a cavity or two at the dentist, especially if you don’t have family dental insurance.

According to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of children aged 5 to 9 have had at least one cavity or filling, and 78% of 17-year-olds have experienced tooth decay.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month; so, we asked our DentalPlans.com moms what dental hygiene practices they follow with their kids. Check out these dental tips from the Toothbrush Task Force to help your kids develop the right dental habits early on:

  • Brushing: Enrollment Specialist, Risa, lets her two girls pick out their toothbrushes and gets them new ones every month, so that they get excited about brushing their teeth. Making it less of a chore and more like a fun task will make your kids more likely to brush regularly.
  • Flossing: By setting a good example, getting her 3-year-old son to floss is an easy task for our Broker and Group Manager, Nicole. Even though they may be too young to know why flossing is important, kids like to imitate mommy and daddy. So, getting them used to flossing with you at an early age helps develop this healthy dental habit.
  • Dentist Appointments: DentalPlans.com mom, Melissa, takes her son to the dentist every 6 months, even if there are no current issues. This is important, because dental issues are not always seen, and catching a cavity early can save you money. Also, getting your kids excited to go to the dentist can take away the fear often associated with dental visits.
  • Diet: Jenny, a DentalPlans.com Renewals Specialist, has a hard time getting her daughter to eat healthy. Every once in a while, she bribes her with sugar-free gum for dessert. Risa also convinced her daughters that certain fruits and veggies make their teeth whiter to get them to eat healthier.

Do you have any tips to help your kids develop healthy dental care habits? Share with us in the comments below.