Help your kids get cleaner teeth and healthier mouths with these fun products and tips on encouraging good dental habits.

Great Dental Products for Kids

Antimicrobial Toothbrush
Make brushing a little easier with Dr. Plotka’s Youth Manual Toothbrush. Recommended for ages 3-12, it features long-lasting soft flossing bristles and a comfortable grip. The antimicrobial technology eliminates 99.9% of bacteria after brushing – it’s like having a new toothbrush every time your child brushes. From $4.99 at mouthwatchers.com.

Encourage Brushing
The 1-2-3-Grin! Oral Care Set challenges kids to brush more often. It includes kid-sized biodegradable flossers, a toothbrush and naturally flavored orange or strawberry toothpaste. Each time kids brush, they can add a sticker to the brushing challenge chart. Available at grinnatural.com for $24.96.

Brushing Games
The Colgate Magik Smart Toothbrush can help eliminate nighttime brushing battles. This app-enabled manual brush teaches kids to brush effectively – while they brush, they play an augmented-reality game, where they can explore and unlock new worlds. The set contains a brush, holder and phone stand. Available at amazon.com for $14.98.

5 Great Dental Habits for Kids

See a dentist regularly.
To prevent cavities and other dental problems, don’t skip checkups. Your child should see a dentist every six months.

Brush for two minutes.
Children (and adults) should brush their teeth for a full two minutes, twice a day. Set a timer, or brush to music with a toothbrushing app like Brush DJ.

Replace kids’ toothbrushes regularly.
A frayed or worn toothbrush won’t do the job right – the American Dental Association recommends replacing brushes every 3-4 months.

Use the right type of toothbrush.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush. Talk to your dentist about what type is best for your child.

Pay attention to pacifiers.
Pacifiers and thumb-sucking may cause problems with proper tooth alignment. If you notice changes in your child’s teeth or are concerned, talk with your dentist.

The Truth About Teeth

Babies are born with 20 teeth below the gums, and they usually start coming through between 6 months and a year.

You should schedule your child’s first dental visit after their first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday.

For children 3 or younger, use a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). For children 3 or older, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste will do.

Avoid baby bottle tooth decay: Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle, or use bottles as a pacifier.

Water is the best beverage for kids. Drinking water with fluoride – also known as “nature’s cavity fighter” – has been shown to reduce cavities by 25%.

To prevent cavities in kids, brush twice a day, limit sweets and see a dentist regularly.

Source: American Dental Association; mouthhealthy.org

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