3 Ways Spring Cleaning Can Help Kids Practice Good Oral Health

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Spring is in the air and around my house, that means serious deep cleaning. I love spring cleaning for many reasons. First, it just feels good to declutter and freshen up all those corners and crevices that have collected dirt over the winter months. It also means I get another opportunity to help my kids learn about their oral health.

Here are 3 activities moms and dads can include in their spring cleaning routine to help their family and their smiles stay healthy.

1. Replace and Recycle Old Toothbrushes
   The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing toothbrushes every 3-4 months, or if the bristles are visibly worn. Have your children check their brushes and see if it’s time for a new toothbrush! But, don’t just throw the old ones in the trash. Teach your kids the value of recycling and find a local recycling option, or sign up for the free Colgate® Oral Care Recycling Program. It is a great way to teach your kids about the importance of using toothbrushes that work well, as well as how to be responsible in disposing of old brushes. In fact, encourage your kids to tell the neighborhood or classmates they are collecting toothbrushes to send in and recycle. It is a great way to also get the community involved!
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2. Make a Dental Appointment for the Whole Family
   If you don’t already have scheduled dental appointments, Spring is the perfect time to get them on the calendar. Find a dental provider that is skilled in pediatric dentistry, like Luxe Dental Arts in Sugarland. Dr. Sheth has specialized training in pediatric dental care and will treat children with the attention and kindness as if they were her own kids. It’s important for children to have regular dental checkups as soon as their first tooth erupts. Our baby teeth begin to grow in the first six months of life. At around six or seven years old, they begin to fall out, making room for our permanent smiles. By scheduling regular appointments for your child, not only will their current smile benefit, but future complications become less likely.
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3. Go Over Proper Brushing and Flossing Technique
   I don’t know about you, but as a busy mom, it can be difficult to watch my kids every time they brush. If your child is over the age of 7 and is brushing on their own, Springtime is a great time to review proper brushing and flossing techniques. Many of the resources, including a quick video, can be found here.

Spring is a wonderful time to get rid of the old and bring in the new. But, don’t forget you and your child’s oral hygiene too. Teaching children the importance of a clean and healthy mouth will serve them for years to come. If you’d like more information about pediatric dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, I’d love to meet you and your kids. Give us a call anytime.

-Dr. Sheth

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With over 10 years of experience under her belt, Dr. Karishma Sheth brings to you dentistry with gentle hands and a very caring approach. Attention to detail and high quality dentistry are her utmost priority in ensuring her patients receive the care they deserve.

Dr. Sheth earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Arizona, Tucson, and her dental degree from the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Sheth furthered her education by completing a residency at the University of Texas, Houston.

Since then, she is a strong proponent of staying on the forefront of advances in dentistry. As a result, she has over 1000 hours in post-graduate advanced continuing education and has earned her fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. She has also earned her fellowship with the prestigious International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Quick weekend safari trips were no big trek for Dr. Sheth as she was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya! She is multilingual and fluent in 4 languages. Dr. Sheth is a proud mother of two girls and when she is not hard at work she loves to spend time with her husband and their daughters, making memories and living each moment to the fullest.