Everyone knows that playtime is fun, but did you know it also has some amazing benefits, too? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it’s an important part of child growth that helps encourage healthy brain development, imagination, and dexterity, as well as physical, emotional, and cognitive strength. It can also help broaden children’s understanding about a certain topic and encourage them to feel more comfortable with specific subjects, such as visiting the dentist. Whether your child has developed a curiosity for oral health, is anxious about an upcoming dental visit, or you’d simply like to foster a strong foundation for a lifetime of strong teeth and gums, here are a few dental-themed toys that can help make the most of their playtime!
Play-Doh Drill ‘n Fill Dentist
Kids and parents alike love Play Doh because it’s fun, flexible, and relatively mess-free. The Drill ’n Fill Dentist playset lets your child make “teeth” in a man’s mouth and then treat them with a variety of tools, including a toothbrush, dental pick, forceps, and even a mold to make braces and fillings. In addition to being sensory-friendly, this kit provides kids with a hands-on way to be the dentist and take care of their own patients!
Crocodile Dentist
While not an oral health game, Crocodile Dentist is a classic tooth-themed toy. To play, your child presses down on the croc’s tooth, careful to avoid the sore one. If you accidentally do, the mouth will close, and you’ll be eliminated. The objective is to be the only dentist who doesn’t get chomped by the persnickety patient!
Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit
This dental toy is perfect for the wannabe dentist, but also for the little one who is eager for a closer look at the types of tools that could be used at their upcoming appointment. The kit also provides a variety of tools your child will recognize at home, such as pretend toothpaste, floss, and a toothbrush. It can even be used to help show them the right way to care for their smile, whether they’re the patient or dentist!
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Generations of children have grown up reading the Berenstain Bears books. This story follows the beloved family as they visit the dentist for the first time. The curious cubs learn about the importance of oral health, as well as get a closer look at some of the tools the dentist uses to help keep their smiles bright!
Toothsavers Brushing Game
For kids that like to play games on a tablet or phone, this app encourages kids to brush away cavity causing creatures sent by an evil sorceress to destroy smiles. It’s perfect for kids ages 4 and older and teaches the importance of keeping their teeth clean to prevent cavities and gum disease!
Remember, play isn’t just about having a good time, it can also help your child’s brain development and teach them extremely valuable life skills, including proper oral hygiene. If your little one would like to learn more about the benefits of caring for their smile, try these fun dental toys, available at stores like Amazon and the app store on your phone or tablet.
About Dr. Lily
Dr. Lily Hoang earned her undergraduate degree at Tulane University, her master’s in biomedical sciences at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and her doctorate at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Ca. She then went on to earn her Advanced Education in General Dentistry certification at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn and her pediatric certification at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. She is a current, active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. To schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning for your child at Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 469-925-0861.