National Children’s Dental Health Month: Top Dentist Tips

As we approach the final week of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we want to express our gratitude to the talented dentists who generously shared their expert advice with us throughout the month. Their collective message is clear: brushing for two minutes, twice a day is essential—not just in February, but all year long to maintain healthy, happy smiles.

The Importance of Good Oral Health for Kids

As practicing dental professionals, these dentists see first-hand the state of the nation’s oral health. But as parents themselves, they also understand the daily challenges of getting young children to brush their teeth. After all, even their own children don’t give them a pass just because they’re dental experts!

Expert Tips for Parents to Maintain Healthy Teeth for Kids

We’ve loved hearing these insights, experiences, and practical tips from our experts. To keep the momentum going beyond National Children’s Dental Health Month, here are our top five takeaways for maintaining healthy teeth for kids:

1. Create a Dental Routine That Works for Your Family

Incorporate brushing into your child’s daily routine with strategies like brushing charts, reward stickers, dental apps, and even timers to make it fun. Try using cues like "bath, brush, book, and bedtime" to build consistency. A regular routine helps ensure that brushing becomes second nature.

2. Empathy Over Lectures

Listening to your child and offering practical, positive solutions is far more effective than lecturing about oral health. Empathy helps kids feel empowered to take care of their teeth rather than being overwhelmed by constant reminders.

3. Start Dental Visits Early

Starting dental visits early, ideally before your child’s first birthday, helps them get comfortable with the dentist’s office. Even if the visit is just to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the surgery, early exposure helps build positive dental experiences and reduces future anxiety.

4. Make Brushing Fun!

Make brushing time enjoyable! A great song for toothbrushing is “Just say aaaah, say eeeeeee, say aaaah, say eeeeeee." These fun sounds help ensure you brush all the surfaces of your little one's teeth, making it an interactive and playful experience.

5. Limit Snacking Between Meals

Stick to regular mealtimes and limit between-meal snacks to support better oral health. Excessive snacking can increase the risk of cavities, so it’s important to keep the focus on balanced meals with occasional treats rather than constant snacking.

A Special Thank You to Our Expert Dentists

We are grateful to the following dental professionals who shared their insights and expertise with us:

- Dr. Brandon Tiller, Balham Dental Studio
- Dr. James Harrison, Blossom Family Dental Care
- Dr. Anne O’Donnell, Mullingar Dental Centre 
- Dr. Natalie Bradley, King’s College Hospital

Healthy Smiles Beyond February

The habits you establish now can shape your child’s oral health for a lifetime. Let’s continue practicing these healthy dental habits beyond National Children’s Dental Health Month. After all, healthy smiles start with small, consistent steps that can make a big difference in the long run!