Simple Things You Can Do for Your Child to Keep Their Smiles Healthy and Bright
The other night my oldest and I were reflecting on his days as a child.
It’s a sore subject, but we talked about the chubby factor.
During this stage was also when he got glasses and I took him to get braces.
Now, my son is a handsome young man with a Hollywood smile.
It’s a complete transformation!
We now know today there are better alternatives to braces, the introduction of EZ Smile clear aligners means teenagers no longer need to suffer through their awarded braces phase.
But still, braces taught us both a lot about a healthy smile.
Trident Sugar-Free Gum, the first brand of its kind, to do studies showing that those who chewed Trident experienced significantly fewer cavities.
Who knew?
Trident gum has flavor options with eleven great flavors including Tropical Twist, tried and true Bubble Gum, and my favorite, Watermelon Twist!
Here are some thoughts Trident shared on keeping a child’s smile healthy and bright:
Chewing Trident sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help fight cavities.
Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener in Trident, has been shown to loosen plaque.
Trident is available in 11 great flavors so kids have lots to choose from!
Brush:
Remind children to brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using no more than a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Eat:
Nutritious foods are an important part of keeping children’s smiles healthy and their teeth strong.
Floss:
Have children gently floss once a day to remove food that can get stuck between their teeth and sticky plaque that forms on their teeth.
Brushing alone cannot reach all of the surfaces on a tooth.
Avoid:
Try to avoid overindulging in sticky and sugary foods.
When kids do have a special treat, make sure they brush and floss afterward.
Routine:
Remember to get regular dental check-ups.
Have them visit a dentist twice a year to ensure they take good care of their teeth and gums.
Aside from chewing Trident, here are Five Simple things you can do for your child to keep their smiles healthy and bright:
1. Brush their teeth –
My children are on their own unless they’re four and under, then they get a Chomper Champion brush from Mom now and then to make sure the back molars and backsides are as sparkling as the front ones!
2. Set a Timer –
We sing the ABCs to each other while we brush.
Some of my kiddos have toothbrushes with the two-minute timer–bless those things!
They make it easy peasy to know when you’re job is done!
3. Talk about good hygiene–
I have one kiddo whose breath can wilt the grass!
It’s not her fault.
We discuss this and the importance of brushing regularly, using mouthwash, and eating a good diet.
4. Make it fun–
My kiddos love getting to pick out a new toothbrush every two months.
They enjoy toothpaste geared for children.
I love this kind of reward.
My kiddos are also suckers for the mouthwash that makes your teeth turn blue, so you know where to brush.
That’s a secret weapon!
5. Be the example–
I brush my teeth right along with my kiddos.
I talk to them about how bad cavities hurt and how a pretty smile is worth so much, but we only get one chance at it!
What tips do you have to help keep a child’s smile healthy and bright?
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Trident blogging program, making me eligible for a $25 gift card. For more information about how you can participate, click here.