{"id":127,"date":"2024-10-04T19:59:38","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T19:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drlindasteele.com\/blog\/?p=127"},"modified":"2024-11-14T19:59:57","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T19:59:57","slug":"thankful-for-teeth-your-childs-smile-this-thanksgiving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drlindasteele.com\/blog\/thankful-for-teeth-your-childs-smile-this-thanksgiving\/","title":{"rendered":"Thankful for Teeth: How to Appreciate Your Child\u2019s Smile This Thanksgiving"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Head, shoulders, knees, and toes. Kids learn early on about many of their body parts, including their mouth and teeth. Little ones can identify where teeth are, but even older kids may not fully appreciate these amazing, tiny body parts and may take them for granted. Although there are plenty of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, take a moment with your child to acknowledge just how awesome it is to have healthy teeth<\/a> and learn how to better take care of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some things you can do during this holiday, even if you\u2019re with a group of friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Do Activities That Use Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unless you stop and think about it, you and your child may not realize just how useful and necessary teeth really are! Some activities can make that clear right away. As a fun game, write down some phrases or words that have specifically s, sh, t, d, f, v, or th sounds in them. Then, pull your lips over your teeth, try to say those words or phrases as if you don\u2019t have teeth, and have everyone guess what you\u2019re saying. Even if everyone knows the answer, you\u2019ll probably get some laughs from the funny pronunciations and be glad you have your teeth to talk clearly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have little ones, you can find games and toys that are dentistry themed and age appropriate online to entertain them and teach healthy oral habits. For school-aged kids, teens, and adults, you can get Watch Ya Mouth or purchase cheek retractors online and try to talk. Not only does this game result in some hilarious moments, but it forces everyone to keep their pearly whites clean because they are on full display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to Limit Sweet, Starchy Snacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As tempting as it may be to graze all day as well as scarf down a huge Thanksgiving meal, this snacking habit allows food and sugar to remain in your child\u2019s mouth. Too much of sweet, starchy, or acidic foods like crackers, cookies, and even pie makes it easier for cavity-causing plaque to develop on your child\u2019s teeth. As a result, you should try to keep snacking to a minimum or at least offer foods that are a little more smile friendly, like carrots, cucumbers, apples, cheese, nuts, seeds, strawberries, and dark chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Up Daily Brushing and Flossing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re traveling for Thanksgiving, do your best to stick to your child\u2019s normal schedule, especially at night. At the very least, your child needs to brush and floss every day. After all, you may take a holiday, but cavity-causing bacteria don\u2019t!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether your child is still learning where their teeth are or approaching adulthood, you can help them realize just how lucky they are to have their teeth and what they need to do to keep them healthy and strong for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Linda Steele<\/a> is a board-certified pediatric dentist with about 30 years of clinical experience treating infants, toddlers, children, and teens. She excels in helping patients and their families feel relaxed and helping them learn healthy habits for life. If your child is due for a dental checkup, you can reach Dr. Steele\u2019s office online here<\/a> or call 972-640-7432 for an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes. Kids learn early on about many of their body parts, including their mouth and teeth. Little ones can identify where teeth are, but even older kids may not fully appreciate these amazing, tiny body parts and may take them for granted. 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