If your child is one of the many who will not be returning to school for the remainder of the year because of COVID-19, you may be noticing that after Zoom meetings are completed and all homework is done, they appear to be bored. While they can go outside a play, chalk the sidewalk, and even play video games, it is only engaging for so long. Since they are stuck at home these days, why not work on improving their oral health? Until you can get them in for an appointment at your local dentist center, why not consider the following tips to help your little one maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Cook Your Favorite (Healthy) Foods
Does your son or daughter enjoy working in the kitchen? Do you envision them becoming a chef one day? Whether it’s baking or cooking, find recipes that are healthy and use fresh ingredients. Your child may be tempted to snack on sugary, starchy foods during this time. By bringing them into the kitchen and letting them help make tonight’s dinner, this will keep them eating healthy and doing something fun!
Turn Their Nighttime Oral Hygiene Routine into a Game
You know you and your children must brush for at least two full minutes, so why not set a timer and let the games begin? Turn your morning and/or nighttime oral hygiene routine into a fun and exciting opportunity to challenge each other on who can last the longest. If you make it the full two minutes without stopping, you win a prize. Just make sure that whatever your child receives is something that won’t cause tooth decay or cavities to form (i.e. sugary candy, potato chips).
Engage in Dental Arts and Crafts
Maybe your little one is on the verge of losing their first tooth, or you have a child who just loves to color. Find books and crafts that will allow you to talk to them about the Tooth Fairy or some of the useful tools used to keep their mouth clean. Spend some time looking on the internet for craft ideas that you and your child can take part in together. You might even help them make their very own Tooth Fairy pillow!
No matter what you decide to do with your child during this time, make sure it is fun and exciting. The steps you take to help them take pride in their smile will only serve to benefit them as they grow older. The earlier you start implementing good oral habits, the more likely they’ll be to continue practicing them as they transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood.
About the Author
Even the youngest smiles need help to stay healthy, which is why Dr. Thomas
Youngblood and his team at Family Dental Center of East Texas are proud to help
your little one achieve optimal oral health. Since their dental office is currently
closed due to COVID-19, seeing only emergency patients, they want you to be
equipped with the tools and information to help your child take care of their
smile while being stuck at home. If you need tips or advice on ways you can get
your son or daughter excited about oral hygiene, search for a dentist near me
and visit our website
or call (936) 427-9070.