Christensen Pediatric Dental
The holidays are filled with excitement, traditions, and family fun—but they can also challenge your child’s daily dental routine. At Christensen Pediatric Dental, we believe that kids’ dental health doesn’t have to take a back seat during the season. With the right habits and a little creativity, your child can enjoy the holidays and maintain a healthy smile.
To help families stay on track, we’re sharing our 12 Days of Christmas: Holiday Dental Tips for Kids—a festive, parent-friendly guide to protecting little smiles all month long.
Day 1: A Toothbrush in a Pear Tree
A brand-new toothbrush is a great way to kick off the season. Let your child pick out a fun color or character to boost excitement about brushing. Pediatric dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes every 3–4 months—December is the perfect time to refresh.
Day 2: Two Minutes of Brushing
Remind kids to brush two minutes, twice a day. Play a holiday song, use a timer, or turn brushing into a countdown challenge to help children brush thoroughly.
Day 3: Sealants for Strong Holiday Smiles
Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars), where cavities are most likely to develop. They help shield those deep grooves from food and bacteria and can reduce the risk of decay for years. If your child has their permanent molars, the holiday season is a great time to ask if sealants are recommended.
Day 4: Four Flossing Helpers
Flossing is just as important as brushing for preventing cavities in kids. Make it easier with floss picks designed for small hands and turn it into part of the nightly routine.
Day 5: Five Smart Sugar Swaps
Christensen Pediatric Dental encourages healthier holiday choices. Try swapping sugar-heavy treats for:
- Baked apples with cinnamon
- Fruit smoothies
- Homemade oatmeal cookies sweetened with dates
- Dark chocolate in small amounts
- Chia pudding with fruit
Day 6: Six Sips of Water
Water helps wash away food particles and neutralize acid in the mouth. Encourage children to drink water after meals and snacks—especially during holiday gatherings.
Day 7: Seven Sparkling Smiles
Use a simple reward chart to track brushing and flossing progress. After seven successful days, reward your child with a non-food prize like a holiday craft, special book, or family game night. If you like, you can find charts for children on-line like this one from Just Family Fun: Free Printable Toothbrushing Charts.
Day 8: Eight Fun Brushing Games
Make brushing playful with simple games. Make up your own or try one of the games below:
- Chase the Sugar Bugs
Kids pretend “sugar bugs” are hiding on their teeth and brush them away one by one. - Reindeer Tooth Race
Set a two-minute timer and race to clean all the “reindeer teeth” before time runs out. - Sparkle Patrol
Kids inspect their teeth in the mirror after brushing to see if any spots need extra “sparkle power.” - Mirror Face Challenge
Brush while making silly faces in the mirror—this helps reach different angles of the mouth. - Toothbrush DJ
Let your child pick the brushing song for the night and brush until the song ends. - Stuffed Animal Brushing Buddy
Kids brush their stuffed animal’s “teeth” first, then copy the same motions on their own teeth. - Top Teeth vs. Bottom Teeth
Pretend the top teeth and bottom teeth are on separate teams and both need equal cleaning time. - Toothbrush Countdown Zones
Parents quietly count while kids brush one section at a time—front, back, left, and right—so no area gets skipped.
When brushing feels like play, kids are far more cooperative.
Day 9: Nine Steady Bedtime Routines
Consistent bedtime routines help reinforce dental habits. A reliable pattern—pajamas, brush, floss, story, sleep—keeps kids on track even during busy holiday schedules. Here are some ideas:
- Pajamas Before Dental Care
Getting into pajamas first helps kids mentally shift into “wind-down mode” before the rest of the routine begins. - Final Drink Is Always Water
After dental care, only water is allowed—no milk, juice, or snacks that could sit on teeth overnight. - Screens Off Before the Routine Starts
Turning off screens before bedtime helps kids settle faster and avoids rushed nighttime habits. - Stuffed Animal Tuck-In
Let kids put their stuffed animal to bed right after dental care—it becomes the signal that sleep comes next. - Quick Parent Smile & Gum Check
A fast visual check lets parents catch redness, irritation, or sore spots early. - Lip Balm for Winter Dryness
Cold air can cause cracked lips, which often leads to mouth-licking that dries the mouth overnight. - Bathroom Break Before Bed
A final bathroom trip prevents middle-of-the-night wakeups that can lead to late snacks or drinks. - Nightlight or Comfort Setup
Making sure nightlights, blankets, and favorite toys are ready helps kids relax and fall asleep faster. - Reward Chart Reminder
A calm reminder that today’s routine earned a star keeps motivation positive without pressure.
Day 10: Ten Tooth-Friendly Holiday Snacks
Healthy snack ideas that support kids’ dental health include:
- Apple slices with your child’s favorite nut butter
- Frozen banana “pops”(banana half on a stick, dipped in unsweetened cocoa)
- Ants-on-a-log (celery with nut butter topped with raisins)
- Mini cheese & whole-grain cracker “sandwiches”
- Frozen grape “snowballs”
- Cinnamon applesauce pouches (no added sugar)
- Strawberries dipped in plain Greek yogurt or sprinkled with chocolate powder
- Cucumber rounds with cream cheese
- Train mix (without sugar)
- Cheese cubes and grapes skewers
Day 11: Eleven Reasons to Smile – Fun Things to Do Over Christmas Break in Ogden
The holidays are about more than treats—they’re about memories, laughter, and time together. Here are eleven joyful, family-friendly ways to make kids smile all season long right here in and around Ogden, Utah:
- Visit Christmas Village at Ogden’s Union Station
A local holiday favorite filled with lights, displays, and festive cheer. - Neighborhood Light Walks
Bundle up and stroll through your neighborhood to admire Christmas lights together. - Family Game Night by the Tree
Board games, card games, and puzzles bring lots of laughs and connection. - Holiday Craft Day at Home
Make paper snowflakes, ornaments, or handmade cards for grandparents and friends. - Christmas Pajama Movie Night
Silly pajamas, cozy blankets, and a favorite holiday movie never get old. - Bake Together Using Healthy Swaps
Let kids help in the kitchen making fruit-based treats or healthy snacks. - Library Storytime or Holiday Reading Nights
Ogden-area libraries often host festive winter reading events. - Snow Play When the Weather Cooperates
Snowmen, sledding, snow angels—or even indoor “pretend snow” games on colder days. - Family Photo Day
Capture memories just for your family album—no pressure for perfection. - Holiday Kindness Project
Donate toys, help a neighbor, or write thank-you notes for teachers and caregivers. - New Year’s Eve “Junior Countdown”
Celebrate early with sparkling water, noise makers, and a balloon drop before bedtime.
These are the moments kids remember long after the decorations come down—and they’re what make the holiday season truly special
Day 12: Twelve Months of Healthy Dental Habits
The holidays are a great time to reinforce habits your child will use all year long. Brushing, flossing, healthy eating, and regular visits with a pediatric dentist help prevent cavities and support lifelong oral health.
Schedule Your Child’s Holiday Dental Visit
At Christensen Pediatric Dental, we are proud to provide gentle, kid-focused pediatric dental care that supports healthy smiles through every season. If your child is due for a cleaning or exam, December is a great time to schedule before the new year begins.
Wishing your family a joyful holiday season filled with bright, healthy smiles!
3550 Harrison Blvd., Suite 1
Ogden, UT 84403
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