Having parented through childhood caries, dental surgery for both my boys and upcoming braces for my oldest son, it’s no secret that I’m passionate about dental health. National Oral Health Care month is the perfect annual reminder that it’s important to pay special attention to our teeth and our overall oral hygiene, since good dental health can have a tremendous impact on overall health! To get your family started on the path towards a brighter, whiter smile, try these easy tips:
For the Kids
Children look to Mom and Dad as role models, so make sure you lead by example and talk to them about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums!
- Suggest using a timer or a song to ensure that the kiddies are brushing for as long as they’re supposed to. You can even make it a family activity by doing it all together.
- Give your kiddos a sugar-free bonus for brushing. A sticker chart that keeps track of their brushing habits is a great way to give them an incentive to brush.
- Introduce a toothpaste and brush that features one of your kids favourite characters – such as the Orajel™ Spiderman™ and My Little Pony™ Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste and the Kids Spinbrush™ My Little Pony™ Battery Toothbrush. It keeps things exciting while practicing healthy habits!
For Adults
Make sure you’re brushing and flossing at least twice a day to achieve optimal oral health.
- The Canadian Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months or sooner if it becomes worn, for an optimal clean.
- Use a battery-powered toothbrush with sonic pulsating action. For example, the new Arm & Hammer™ Sonic Pulse Battery Toothbrush is clinically proven to remove 2X more plaque versus a manual toothbrush. This toothbrush has a slim, ergonomic handle, and comes with a replaceable head and battery!
- If, like me, you can’t resist desserts and candy, pay attention! Foods that contains a lot of sugar can stain your teeth and also soften tooth enamel. Try using Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh™ Toothpaste for enamel-safe whitening and lasting freshness…plus it prevents tartar build up!
Having lived most of my adult life without dental insurance, one of the lessons I’ve learned is that an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure when it comes to teeth. Aside from the time and effort of having dental work done, the cost can put a serious dent in your pocketbook! So use these National Oral Health Care Month tips to make dental health a priority and hopefully you’ll be walking out of your next checkup with a clean bill of health!