Are you planning on dedicating a day or two to refreshing your home? For many parents, decluttering, donating, and organizing toys, clothes and other things that have accumulated is priority number one. If that’s the case for you, then don’t forget to “spring clean” your child’s dental routine too! Here’s an easy guide on how to do just that.
1. Stock Your Child’s Bathroom with Oral Hygiene Essentials
It’s no secret that life with kids can get hectic. Amid all of the hustle and bustle, you don’t want to add spontaneous trips to the store for things like toothbrushes and toothpaste – those can easily be bought in advance! By doing this, you and your child won’t be left in a pinch if something unexpected happens, like they get sick and need to replace their toothbrush.
Bonus tip: use this opportunity to put together a dental emergency kit! In it, put gauze, a small container that could fit a lost tooth, a topical anesthetic, and the contact information of your child’s pediatric dentist.
2. Clean, Clean, Clean
Wiping down your child’s bathroom counter might be on your weekly to-dos. However, now is the perfect time to give that space a thorough clean. Washing the grout, the sides of their sink, and their toothbrush holder is a must. You can also use this opportunity to deep clean their toothbrush, mouthguard, or retainer! Just make sure to avoid harsh cleaners, like bleach, since they contain toxins that should not be ingested.
3. Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush
If your child gets sick, then it’s a good idea to replace their toothbrush to prevent others in your household from getting ill too. On an ongoing basis, the American Dental Association recommends replacing it every three or four months. So, if it’s been longer than that, now is the time to purchase a new one. To help pique your child’s interest in oral hygiene, consider letting them pick out a new toothbrush!
4. Leave Behind Bad Dental Habits
Does your child bite their nails? Do they chew on the back of their pen or pencil while they’re working? Do they suck their thumb when they feel anxious? Unfortunately, these are a few habits that can wreak havoc on their smile. So, there is no time like the present to implement some positive reinforcement to help them stop altogether!
5. Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Checkup and Cleaning
If your child’s next checkup and cleaning is already on the calendar, congratulations – you’re a step ahead! If it isn’t, that’s okay too. After all, there is no time like the present to call their pediatric dentist! Remember, these biannual visits are of the utmost importance. In addition to removing plaque and tartar, these appointments play an essential role in catching oral health problems early on.
About the Practice
With Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan leading the way, our team at Village Pediatric Dentistry is here to help families keep their loved ones’ smiles happy and healthy. We’re proud to offer a wide range of treatments for growing smiles, welcome dental insurance and flexible financing, and provide after-school and weekend hours! If you have a question about your child’s oral health or you’d like to schedule their next checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call (678) 456-5572.