Do you find it a little tricky to get your little ones motivated about oral hygiene? Do most morning and evening rituals resemble a battle that ends with both sides frustrated and crying? Believe it or not – you’re not alone. This is a common occurrence for many parents. But what if you could get a little help from Santa this year?

This time of year children are working extra hard to be on their best behavior in hopes that their “Elf on the Shelf” will report good news back to Santa so their Christmas wish comes true. Rather than filling your childrens’ stockings to the top with candy, why don’t you try adding in some smile-friendly products – with a special note from Santa to brush those pearly whites.

Children who adopt good oral hygiene at a young age are more likely to preserve these habits long into adulthood. Children’s dentist Dr. Jack Haney provides parents with special tips to help kids keep their teeth healthy and offers a full range of family dentistry and preventative services. Some of these services include dental exams and teeth cleanings, metal-free filling, and mouth guards. To book your appointment at our Knoxville, TN practice, contact us online or call (865) 693-6886. For a full list of healthy stocking stuffers that can illuminate smiles on Christmas morning, please continue reading.

Use Fun-Colored Toothbrushes

At your local grocery store or pharmacy, you can find toothbrushes in almost every color. If your kiddo is into princesses and superheroes, there’s more than likely a toothbrush with their favorite character on it, too! According to the American Dental Association (ADA), individuals should change toothbrushes every three or four months.

Unsure if that’s happening as regularly as it should? This Christmas, sneak a new toothbrush (or two or three) into your children’s stockings so they can go into the new year with a fresh, new toothbrush. When March or April rolls around, you’ll know it’s time for them to swap it out again. For those of you with older children, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. Teenagers these days are more impressed with technology and electric toothbrushes are effective and cause less stress on the teeth and gums.

Try Interestingly Flavored Toothpaste

Children are no different than you – they get bored with flavors. Rather than reaching for traditional minty toothpaste, try changing it up. Did you know there are all kinds of flavorful toothpaste on the market? Some may even consider them unusual. You can find toothpaste in flavors, such as cupcake, ice cream, chocolate, and bacon!

When researching toothpaste, read the ingredients closely just to make sure they also contain fluoride for cavity prevention. Before you know it, when it’s time for your kids to brush their teeth, they will race to the bathroom to try out their new toothpaste.

Tasty Floss

Oral hygiene wouldn’t be complete without dental floss. While we know it’s hard to make flossing thrilling, floss also comes in fun flavors like bubble gum, banana, chocolate, and waffles. Make flossing fun by including all kinds of flavors in their stocking. Kids should be encouraged to floss daily to remove hidden food particles and plaque.

Looking for a Children’s Dentist?

Dr. Haney offers care for the whole family at our Knoxville dental office. While we know it’s a busy time of year, let us help you get your first appointments of 2018 on the calendar. Contact us today online or give us a call at (865) 693-6886.