8 Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy while Stuck at Home

The best way to keep you and your loved ones safe from the current COVID-19 pandemic is to practice social distancing. However, your little one may be more prone to forget about taking care of their smile when they’re stuck at home without a routine. The last thing you need is for your son or daughter to develop a cavity during quarantine! Here are eight tips from your children’s dentist in Michigan City, IN to help them keep their oral health on track while they’re stuck at home.

Tip #1: Keep a Regular Brushing Schedule

With all the drastic changes to our everyday lives, it can be easy to lose track of regular habits. Make sure your family is still brushing their teeth every morning and night. This regular routine restores a sense of normalcy, so their minds may be a little more at ease as they keep their smiles clean.

Tip #2: Make Toothbrushing Entertaining

You can help your son or daughter look forward to brushing their teeth by making it more fun! As they brush their teeth for two minutes, try reading to them or letting them listen to a catchy song.

Tip #3: Monitor Their Toothpaste Use

Many children use far too much toothpaste. Conserve what you have and avoid a trip to the store by making sure children over the age of six are only using a drop about the size of a pea.

Tip #4: Create Healthy Meals Together

Involving your children in preparing meals is an excellent opportunity to keep them entertained and productive while teaching them valuable lessons about nutrition and dental health.

Tip #5: Keep Snacks Put Away

It can be easy for your child to mindlessly munch on sugary snacks if they’re left out and easy to access. Lower their risk of tooth decay by keeping snacks put away and out of sight.

Tip #6: Reward Healthy Habits

Creating a habit tracker for your child’s dental care is a great way to let them see their own progress and encourage them. You could even set healthy goals for them to work towards as an extra incentive.

Tip #7: Be a Good Role Model

Show your little one that you care about oral health by brushing your teeth with them! Your child is much more likely to follow healthy habits when you lead by example. Additionally, it ensures that you’re taking the time to care for your own oral health as well!

About the Practice

The health of our patients, loved ones, staff, and all of Michigan City, IN has always been our top priority here at Edgewood Dental. That’s why we’ve made the decision to follow the recommendations of experts like the Indiana State Board of Health and temporarily close our office. We encourage all our patients to practice regular handwashing and excellent at-home oral hygiene. However, we are still accepting dental emergencies by appointment only, so if you or your child needs urgent dental care, don’t hesitate to reach us via our website or at (219) 898-4545.