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Proper hydration is essential for health. In addition to regulating body temperature and assisting with digestive processes, drinking water washes away sugar, food residue, and bacteria from the teeth, preventing decay and cavities. Depending on a child’s age, pediatric dentists recommend they drink 1.5 to three liters of water per day. If your child is reluctant to hydrate, here’s how to get them drinking more water.

4 Ways to Get Kids to Drink More Water

1. Fun Ice Cubes

Children may find drinking water boring compared to sugary sodas and colorful fruit juices. Boost the fun factor by making ice cubes in trays with molds for stars, hearts, flowers, or sea creatures. Add color to regular ice cubes by dropping chopped fruit or a splash of juice into the water before freezing it.

2. Colorful Cups & Straws 

Kids are often more inclined to drink water when they get to pick out a special cup for that purpose. Infants and toddlers typically enjoy drinking from sippy cups that feature their favorite princesses or superheroes. Older kids may want to drink water from twisty straws in bright colors. 

3. Fruit Garnishes

pediatric dentistGarnish cups with orange slices so kids can enjoy a sweet yet healthy snack while they drink water. Add frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the water to make it more colorful and fun to drink. 

4. Fun Apps

If your child has a smart phone or tablet, encourage them to use apps such as Carbodroid, which features an animated robot character that sends reminder notifications about drinking water throughout the day. Another app called Plant Nanny displays animated seedlings that gradually grow into plants or flowers as your child logs their water intake throughout the day. 

 

Protect the health of your child’s teeth, mouth, and gums with help from the team at Pedodontic Associates. With over 25 years of experience, their pediatric dentists provide dental care for children of all ages on Oahu and Maui. Call their Kahala office at (808) 735-1733, their Pearlridge office at (808) 487-7933, or their Kahului office at (808) 877-0066 to schedule an appointment. Visit the website to learn more about what to expect during your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist. 

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