Now that the chaos of the holiday season is behind us, you’re probably turning your attention to the coming year. That might mean setting some goals for your family. If you’re like most Americans, you likely make some New Year’s resolutions centered on health and wellness.
We can help here. Irene Zaki, DDS, and our team at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry have some suggestions to support your child’s dental health. This, in turn, supports their overall health.
Pair these New Year’s resolutions with dental cleaning and exams at our office in Riverside, California. If you do, by the end of 2026, you should feel great about your child’s dental health.
If you know your child isn’t flossing consistently, you’re not alone. Only about a quarter of parents say their kids floss regularly. You can take steps to encourage flossing as a family.
First, lead by example here. If you make it a family activity, you model good oral health for your kids. If you’re still flossing your child’s teeth for them, do yours first, then theirs. Seeing you floss your own teeth should help them feel more comfortable when you do theirs.
If your child is old enough to floss independently but is having difficulty, try other options. You can use the loop method, in which you tie the floss in a circle. Or you might use interdental brushes, floss picks, or a water flosser. Dr. Zaki can help you find what works best for your child.
Sealants are hard, protective coatings that Dr. Zaki bonds to the top of children’s molars. Nine in 10 cavities develop there, but sealants can prevent 80% of them, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Zaki applies sealants quickly and painlessly, which makes them an easy way to support your child’s dental health throughout 2026.
You need to work on some resolutions throughout the year, chipping away at them over time. But if you want to set a resolution you can cross off now, we’ve got you covered. Make your child’s dental appointments in January.
Scheduling these visits helps you stay on top of your child’s oral health throughout the year. It means Dr. Zaki can see your child regularly to monitor their teeth and gums and provide any guidance your family needs to care for their mouth.
If you’re ready to book your appointments, call our team at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry or schedule them online today.
