How Will You Observe Children’s Dental Health Month?
February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a month-long national health observance to promote the benefits of good oral health for children. This effort is to help educate children and their parents regarding the importance that good dental health plays in the early stages and through adulthood of a child’s life. Good dental health is more than just brushing and flossing. Learn ways to instill good nutritional and dental health habits in your child that will last a lifetime.
Tooth decay is one of the most preventable diseases of childhood, however it is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children. So what can you do to protect your child’s teeth from getting cavities?
Begin Teaching Oral Care Habits When Your Children are Young
- The habits we learn as young children stay with us throughout life. When children are taught to brush and floss their teeth at an early age they will continue those habits for many years to come.
- Even before they have teeth, babies can be introduced to oral care by cleaning their gums with moist gauze or a washcloth after they eat.
- After teeth begin to erupt, begin brushing your infant ‘s teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Let older children pick out his or her toothbrush and toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Children’s fluoride toothpastes are produced in a variety of flavors which makes the experience of brushing more pleasant for young people.
Teach Your Children to Brush for Two Minutes Twice a Day
The ADA recommends you brush for two minutes twice a day. There are different approaches to see that your children brush twice a day for two minutes each time! Creativity combined with brushing their teeth will teach them that brushing can be enjoyed, not just endured. Following are some tips to make brushing and flossing fun.
- Play their favorite music for two minutes.
- Buy an electric toothbrush that has a built-in timer.
- Be an example and join them in their routine to brush and floss after breakfast and dinner. This will reinforce the idea that dental care is for everyone.
- Floss once a day before bedtime. Bacteria like to hang out between teeth where your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. This is the perfect storm for tooth decay to form, so help them with the flossing until they get the hang of doing it properly.
Proper Nutrition Will Help Your Children Have Healthy Teeth
Brushing and flossing are part of enjoying good oral health. The other part of the formula to good oral health is to provide a healthy low-sugar diet.
- School lunch and snacks should include fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Serve plenty of whole grains, along with lean meats, cheeses, and yogurt.
- Avoid soda and sugary juices. Tap water with fluoride is the best drink for people of all ages. According to the ADA, this is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities.
- Be a role-model by eating and drinking in a healthy way!
Routine Dental Appointments Are Crucial
Routine dental examinations for prevention and treatment will help keep your child on track for their lifetime. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS is a family dentist and is specially trained as a pediatric dentist to treat your children’s dental needs.
We provide dental care for patients in Parker, Colorado, and the neighboring communities of Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree. Please call Dr. Evanson’s office at (720) 409-0008, or contact us online to make an appointment.
Good oral health is an important factor in teaching your children. Start this month to raise their awareness of having good oral health.
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