{"id":511,"date":"2020-03-25T18:26:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-25T18:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/?p=511"},"modified":"2020-03-25T18:26:00","modified_gmt":"2020-03-25T18:26:00","slug":"4-fun-and-exciting-ways-to-help-your-child-maintain-a-healthy-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/2020\/03\/25\/4-fun-and-exciting-ways-to-help-your-child-maintain-a-healthy-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Fun and Exciting Ways to Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As an adult, you may think the only people being impacted\nby the current stay-at-home orders are you and your peers. Unfortunately, that\nis not the case at all. Your children are also feeling the effects of COVID-19\nand the need for practicing social distancing. Unable to go to school or\ninteract with their friends daily, it is likely they\u2019re feeling bored. As a\nresult, they may be more prone to making poor food choices and avoiding their\nnecessary oral hygiene routine. What do you do? Hear from a children\u2019s\ndentist in Bergenfield<\/a> who can offer 4 fun and exciting ideas to keep your\nchild busy and prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming while being stuck\nat home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Cook and Bake Together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What kid doesn\u2019t love baking cookies? Whether it\u2019s getting\nmessy in the kitchen or enjoying the finalized product, cooking and baking is a\ngreat way to keep your little one busy and entertained. But are cookies the\nbest option? Probably not, but that doesn\u2019t mean you still can\u2019t engage in this\nexciting activity. Instead of opting for chocolate chip cookies, why not try\nout a healthier alternative? There is a multitude of options available in various\ncookbooks and online that you and your child can make. Not only will this be a\ngreat way to make memories, but it will produce delicious food that won\u2019t leave\nyour child with a mouth full of cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Oral Hygiene a Family Affair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Worried your little one isn\u2019t brushing, flossing, or rinsing\nproperly\u2026or at all? Turn your morning and\/or nighttime oral hygiene ritual into\na family affair. The internet has many fun-filled activities that are designed\nto encourage good dental habits. Find one that suits you and your family and\nlet the games begin! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turn on the Music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Does your child like to dance? Are they moving to the beat\nanytime a song comes on? If so, add this into the mix while they\u2019re performing\ntheir oral hygiene routine. Kids oftentimes forget to brush for a full two\nminutes, so adding a song that encourages them to dance and have fun while\nbrushing their teeth can do the trick! Just make sure that the song is at least\ntwo minutes long so that they effectively remove any harmful bacteria and food\nparticles from their smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Books Promoting Good Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the day or before going to bed, reading a book\nabout the Tooth Fairy or that promotes good oral habits is a great way to educate\nand keep your child excited about maintaining a healthy smile. Reading a book that\ndetails why it\u2019s important to practice good oral hygiene or how the Tooth Fairy\ncomes to retrieve strong, healthy teeth will not only engage them but also help\ncreate a sense of pride in their smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These few, simple\nsuggestions can help your little one stay on the path to better oral health. If\nyou\u2019re worried about their teeth and gums, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to your\ndentist for help. He and his team can offer additional tips and advice that\nwill keep their smile looking and feeling its best all year-round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author
<\/strong>Dr. Darren Tong is a trusted, certified pediatric dentist in Bergenfield who treats patients of all ages. Completing his Aesthetic Advantage Certification at New York University, he went on to complete his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery. He and the team at Smile More Kidz can help your little one maintain a healthy, beautiful smile even while stuck at home. Worried they will suffer from cavities and tooth decay because of poor oral habits, let Dr. Tong offer some tips and advice to avoid unnecessary treatments and procedures in the future. For help or assistance in keeping your child\u2019s smile looking its best, or if you\u2019re using this time to look for a \u201cdentist near me,\u201d contact us<\/a> at (201) 453-4863<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n