Keeping Smiles Healthy and Bright

I saw that Trident® was partnering with Smiles Across America® to educate parents about taking care of their children's teeth by encouraging bloggers to blog about five simple things you can do for your child to help keep their smiles healthy and bright and I thought I would chime in. I care a lot about this issue because recent studies have shown that gum disease is being linked to many serious health problems such as heart disease. I know that when I was pregnant I discovered that there were many health problems in pregnant women related to gum disease as well.  I have been working hard to give Noodlebug a good start on dental hygiene. 

Here are my five favorite tips:

1.  Do not send your child to bed with a bottle.  The milk/formula sits on their teeth and can cause serious tooth decay.  I cannot stress this enough. I used to know a woman who co-slept with her two children and allowed them to breastfeed at will throughout the night. Because the breast milk sat on their teeth, BOTH children had to have serious and painful dental surgery on their rotting teeth before they were even 2.

2. If your area does not put fluoride into the water supply, look into getting fluoride drops for younger children until they are old enough to spit out toothpaste with fluoride. This can seriously help limit cavities.

3. Brush your child's teeth twice a day using little foam finger brushes if necessary. I know some days it seems like the last thing you want to do but it is worth it.  I don't mind wrestling Noodlebug a little bit to get the job done.

4. See the dentist as soon as teeth start coming in. We took Noodlebug to the dentist at about 1 1/2.  There are lots of great pediatric dentists out there that can make it a really good experience for your child.

5.  Support groups like Smiles Across America®  everyone can be educated about dental health.  My local Junior League hosts a Smile Day each year where we provide free dental care for foster children. It can make a big difference.

6. One more for fun:  I sing a song to Noodlebug while I brush his teeth.  To the tune of "ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT"----"Brush brush brush your teeth, brush them every day!  Brush brush brush your teeht, keep cavities away!" and repeat until finished!


I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Trident blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.