February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and it’s a great time to brush up on your family’s dental care routine and remind them about the importance of proper oral hygiene. The pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates on Oahu and Maui like to celebrate the month-long event by sharing their top four dental care tips and tricks for kids:

• Floss the Smart Way: Good flossing isn’t just moving the floss up and down. The pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates like to encourage their patients to curve the floss around each tooth and use it to scrape the front and back for an all-over clean.
• Limit Sugar Intake: The amount of sugar your little one ingests can significantly contribute to the number of cavities and other oral health problems they may have in the future. Eliminating sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks goes a long way towards curbing sugar intake.
• Make Dental Care Fun: If your little one is wary of the dentist, it’s probably because it seems like a foreign experience to them. Playing dentist, brushing and flossing together, and using mirrors to inspect each other’s teeth are fun ways to acquaint your kids with dental care in a familiar environment.
• When in Doubt, Use a Timer: Kids should be able to brush on their own by about age six, but they often rush through the process. A timer in the bathroom can not only ensure that your child brushes for an adequate amount of time, but it can also make the process feel more like a game.

Enjoy a happy and healthy National Children’s Dental Health Month and schedule an appointment with Hawaii's best pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates by calling the Aiea location at (808) 487-7933, the Honolulu location at (808) 735-1733, and the Kahului location at (808) 877-0066. To learn more about their services, visit them online.