Teaching children good hygiene habits is one of the best ways to help them stay healthy—and that includes taking care of their teeth and gums. Handwashing, brushing, flossing, eating nutritious foods, and replacing toothbrushes regularly all help reduce germs and support lifelong health.

Good hygiene isn’t only important during cold and flu season. It’s something children can practice every day at home, at school, and in their communities.

Here are a few important points to share with children, along with simple ways to improve oral health and reduce the spread of germs:

1. Your mouth is full of germs and bacteria—some good and some bad. Harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, and some germs can also travel to other parts of the body.
   
   Regular brushing helps remove germs from the mouth and protects both oral health and overall health.
   
   
2. When children are sick with a cold, flu, cough, or seasonal allergies, some medications can reduce saliva flow. Saliva helps wash away bacteria, germs, and acids that can cause tooth decay.
   
   That’s why it is especially important to keep brushing and flossing, even when children don’t feel well. Flossing is especially important because it cleans out bacteria from the places they use to hide from your toothbrush! To learn how to make flossing a daily habit, click here.
   
   
3. A healthy diet helps build a strong body and a healthy smile. Germs and cavity-causing bacteria love sugar. The more sugar they get, the more they grow, which can lead to more cavities.
   
   Choosing nutritious foods and limiting sugary snacks and drinks can help protect teeth and support better overall health. For more information about foods that are healthy for your teeth and your body, click here.
   
   
4. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn. It’s also a good idea to replace a toothbrush after being sick, since germs can remain on the bristles.

Healthy daily hygiene habits help children feel better, smile brighter, and build routines they can carry into adulthood. Encourage children to wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water, brush for 2 minutes twice a day, and floss once each day.

Looking for activities for the kids while they’re home from school? Check out these fun ways to teach kids about oral health!