A sweet month for National Dental Hygiene Month- Tips for helping kids learn good oral health habits

Sweet treats and creative costumes of the Halloween season are on the minds of many children this month.  Did you know that American Dental Hygienists' Association chose October as National Dental Hygiene Month? October is jam packed with so many high sugar products and this makes it an especially great time to raise awareness about nutrition and teach kids more about taking good care of their teeth and gums.

Here's some tips and resources to get started in developing healthy dental care habits with your child:

• Be a good role model- set a healthy example by showing your kids that you practice good dental care, let them see you brush and floss for 10 minutes, at least two times a day
• Make your child's dental care routine a priority when they are very young, this will set a good foundation for years to come.
• Nutrition is an important part of oral health- teach kids about eating healthy and limiting high sugar foods.
• Serve food rich in calcium to build strong bones and teeth
• Limit high sugar drinks and fruit juices that linger on your child's teeth- offer water as a healthy alternative.
• Frequent snacking means your child needs more brushing and flossing- Plaque starts to build within 20 minutes of eating!  Using easy to use devices like this one helps keep them motivated too!
• Set up dentist appointments for your young child and role model healthy habits by seeing your dentist regularly.

It's important to teach kids about the importance of healthy dental care habits everyday. The American Dental Hygienists' Association has guidelines and tips for taking care of children's teeth and ways to encourage healthy oral health habits Read more

See their visual tooth brushing guide a great way for all of us to "brush up" on the best techniques for oral hygiene!

Special Tips for Halloween:

• Consider offering trick or treaters no sugar treats such as stickers, Halloween erasers or other safe alternatives- see our Top Low and No Sugar Halloween Treat Ideas.
• Plan ahead and let your child know how much candy they can eat, ration out a few pieces a day for a 'once in while' treat.
• Try to role model moderation and healthy choices
• Donate leftover candy or see if your dentist offers a trade in program.
• Enjoy seasonal vegetables and fruits with your kids to show them there is more to Halloween than high sugar sweets.
• Make sure your kids brush their teeth after eating sweets!

Healthy Teeth and Nutrition

The American Dietetic Association also reminds us that nutrition is important to keep teeth healthy and strong.  What you Nosh on Matters- Smile. October is National Dental Hygiene Month. And while it's no surprise that daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing are essential to tooth maintenance, did you know nutrition has an effect on your dental health, too? Read more

Health Watch -Trick or Sweet Tips

Calcium Food Chart - see how many milligrams of calcium in common foods

Check out our printables for teaching and encouraging kids to eat calcium rich foods for healthy bones and teeth:

Calcium Foods Coloring Page

A List of Foods High in Calcium - put on fridge as reminder to eat more calcium rich foods

Meet the Milk Group Learn and color page

Enjoy a Cute Video- Crawford the Cat Teaches Kids To Brush their Teeth