Dental care is often not second nature to kids. They need encouragement and good examples. I’m happy to be partnering with the American Dental Association to share how I’m helping my daughter with her daily dental care.
My poor daughter inherited all of my dental issues. Our dentist has confirmed that they are heriterary, but she can keep her teeth maintained with good dental habits. Of course, this is easier said than done when it comes to a kid. She is finally at an age where I can reason with her, and she understands better why she has to take care of her teeth even during at school or at grandparent sleepovers. Taking care of her teeth isn’t something to think about only before school or before bed; it is important all day!
However, with this age also comes feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. She doesn’t want to call attention to her teeth or the fact that she needs to brush after eating. I’ve tried to help her out by creating a Backpack Dental Care Kit. By using a pencil pouch, she can slip it into her backpack or even a binder and no one will know that she has a dental travel kit inside.
I’m using a pencil pouch that I picked up at a local retailer. Inside the pouch, I’ve included several items with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
I like this toothbrush because it has lights that let her know how long to brush. If left up to her, she would brush for 10 seconds and call it quits.
Did you know that babies are born with teeth under their gums? Good oral health begins at birth, and baby teeth are just as important to care for as adult teeth. We delayed our daughter’s first dental visit when she was younger because I was overwhelmed with my triplets’ pregnancy. I wish that we hadn’t. I would have felt much more prepared to deal with some of her hereditary dental issues had I know about them prior to her first cavity. We have tried to make up for lost time by teaching her good dental habits, including getting rid of any accumulating plaque throughout the day and not only at night.
Here are a few tips on helping kiddos establish good oral care habits:
- Be a good example for them. Let them see you taking care of your own teeth.
- Teach kids to brush a minimum of twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth daily.
- Once they are older (around kindergarten age), allow them to brush in the morning while an adult brushes at night. This will let them learn to brush on their own while still having an adult oversee their dental care.
- Talk to your child’s dentist (with your kid in tow) about what foods that they should be eating or not eating for good dental hygiene.
- Regularly head to the dentist for dental check-ups. The earlier a child begins dental visits, the earlier that they will be accustomed to it.
- Make sure that other regular caretakers (grandparents, etc.) are on the same page with you regarding oral health, snack choices, etc.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Dental Association.
I need to have a little dental kit in my purse! There is nothing quite like having CLEAN TEETH and minty breath!! I do chew gum though which helps with the minty aspect!
Oh this is a great idea to keep with you on the go! I keep meaning to try Tom’s toothpaste, it sounds great. It is so important to keep the little members of your family proper hygiene!
The pencil pouch is creative and a great idea by the way! I like when toothbrushes have some way of letting the kid know how long to brush. Whether its musical brushes, ones that have a timer or even the lights that go off are perfect.
I love the idea of creating a way to let kids get excited about brushing. Having a fun way to tote around their toothbrush and toothpaste is a winner! I think I will do this for my nephew!
That backpack dental care kit is such a smart idea. My son had some major baby teeth issues and we’re trying so hard to keep his adult teeth in good shape. Like me, he’s terrified of the dentist, so I think the fear of having to get work done helps motivate him. He likes Tom’s toothpaste because it has a milder taste to it. He’s very particular about flavors, and most toothpastes have too much “zing” to them.
This is great! I use a makeup pouch for when I travel, I think I will purchase a few pencil pouches for the kids that’s a great idea! I haven’t tried Tom’s toothpaste but it sounds like they have a lot of benefits especially since its natural! I also agree with everyone has to be on the same page when kids are on a daily brushing regiment.
This is a great item to have on hand. My kids still really struggle with brushing their teeth – they HATE toothpaste. Such a struggle. I love this idea of the travel kit.
I never thought of bringing a toothbrush out…Back when I was young, we had toothbrushes in school, so we can brush at least 3 times a day…I do have some trouble with getting my kids to do at least twice…uggghhh I just let their dad on the task! Thanks for the tips.
Such a great idea. Teaching kids about dental hygiene early and making it a priority is so important. I was always that kid that had a toothbrush in my backpack and always brushed my teeth after lunch. As an adult, I’m thankful to my younger self for being so diligent!
Oh, this is so helpful! My nephew has issues with anything relating to dental health so this idea would work well for him I think. Thank you for sharing this! We’ll be giving this a try.