Tips to help kids form healthy dental habits

Oral care and cavity prevention are crucial for overall health, and getting kids to put that knowledge into practice is a must. With National Children's Dental Health Month occurring this February, it's a great time to motivate kids to take better care of their smiles with these top teeth tips:

Good practices

The United States Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. If you aren't able to brush between meals, swishing water is a great way to help reduce bacteria that can build up.

When choosing toothpaste, look for the Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to indicate it has been rigorously tested for cavity protection.

Take a minute to check the label to see what's inside your toothpaste. Many contain ingredients like artificial sweeteners, dyes or preservatives. If you prefer a more natural option, there are a few natural kids' toothpastes on the market without any artificial ingredients and no animal testing.

Encourage kids to make healthy nutritional choices that promote good dental health, including calcium-rich foods like yoghurt, cheese, almonds, oatmeal, and oranges. While skipping all sweets may not be realistic, encourage kids to limit sugary beverages and candy, and to brush after treats.

Get creative, give back

A new free downloadable colouring book called Brushing Fun is now available at www.TomsofMaine.com to help introduce kids to healthy habits. Each free download will trigger a donation of 10 tubes of Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! natural toothpaste to Oral Health America, a non-profit dedicated to increasing access to oral health care, education and advocacy for all.

"Brushing can be fun and it's never too early to talk with your kids about their oral health, or too late to try to help shape healthy habits," noted Susan Dewhirst, goodness programmes manager at Tom's of Maine.

The colouring book, which can be personalised with a child's name, offers games, puzzles, tips and facts about oral care, as well as a story that encourages kids to appreciate nature.

Go natural

While you're caring for your teeth, don't forget to also take care of the earth. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, by turning off the tap while you brush your teeth in the morning and before bedtime, you can save up to eight gallons of water! Parents and kids can also visit www.terracycle to learn how to recycle or upcycle toothpaste tubes.

It's simple to show kids that a healthy smile is an important component of overall health. These smart oral-health habits can last a lifetime.

- State Point Media