This post was sponsored by Give Kids A Smile as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
I remember as a young girl being constantly reminded to brush my teeth before bed. I’m so happy looking back that my parents gave me this reminder because I’ve only had a handful of cavities in my lifetime. Something to celebrate!
Dental health was taught to me from a young age and is important to me now as a young mother of two. I want my kids to learn to take care of their dental health from the time they get teeth. So, when they might never have to experience getting even one cavity in their lifetimes.
Our toddler Juliana is in the early learning stages of dental health! I wanted to share with you some of the ways we teach her about dental health at home!
Amazing Dental Health Tips for Toddlers
Starting Early With Dental Health
It’s so important to start at an early age with dental hygiene. Kids are so eager to learn even when they are toddlers! Getting started early is easy with these tips.
- Talk to your toddler about their teeth
- Let them watch you brush your teeth
- Get them an age appropriate toothbrush and paste
- Assist them brushing their teeth until they can on their own
- Get them in the habit of brushing morning and at night
- Don’t give them food or drink sugary drinks before bedtime
- Sing or play music while they brush- Make it fun!
- Make a sticker reward chart for nights they brush
- Get a stepping stool to help them reach the sink
- Have older siblings get in on the fun
Grab your free printable of these helpful dental health tips for toddlers!
For these and more dental health tips from the American Dental Association visit Mouth Healthy!
Additional Resources- Give Kids a Smile
Although we are lucky to have many resources, such as the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, over 40% of children in the age groups of 2-11 will be affected by tooth decay because they aren’t getting proper treatment.
Give Kids A Smile is a wonderful organization started by dentists who wanted to make a difference in the lives of these children. They have, over the past 15-years, served children in need of dental care with over a half a million volunteers comprised of dental professionals, students, parents, and nurses.
This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart since I truly believe all children should have early access to the best dental care. I feel so fortunate to have had great care for our son Jonas, pictured below, and now for our daughter Juliana.
I encourage you to visit Give Kids a Smile on their website and to stop by with a like on their Facebook page for more resources and tips on dental health for your little ones. There, you can also find great information on how to volunteer or donate for this wonderful cause.
When do you start educating your kids about dental health? What tips do you have for teaching toddlers about dental health? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Heather
I definitely wish my parents had emphasized the importance of brushing at night and flossing daily when I was a kid. I think then I would’ve avoided a lot of dental problems. So I agree, this is an effective method for your child to have a healthy mouth. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica W.
These are great tips! My girl is just learning to brush her teeth and her first dentist appointment is coming up soon!
Sammy
Hi Jessica! So fun, it definitely helps to start taking them to the dentist at a young age so they aren’t scared in the future.
Shannon
This is so important as a heath care professional that we encourage child dental exams fluoride treatment from your local pediatric provider and starting exams at one year will help prevent tooth decay.
Help keep you child’s teeth healthily an pain free by teaching them and taking them for exams.
Sammy
Hi Shannon! I couldn’t agree more. My kids love visits to the dentist. :)