February is Children’s Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? The idea behind this is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for kids. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  Healthy teeth and gums are essential for a healthy body.  From their first baby teeth to their adult teeth, you can help your children enjoy a lifetime of good oral health with proper care at home, a blanace diet and regular dental visits.

The following are tips from the American Dental Association.

Care for your infant

• Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth.  Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding to remove plaque and residual food that can harm erupting teeth.
• When your child’s teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child’s size toothbrush and water (no toothpaste for children under 2 years old).
• To prevent tooth decay, infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to bed.
• If you use a pacifier, use a clean one.  Never give a baby a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
• At your child’s first  birthday, begin regular dental check-ups for “smile” insurance.

Prevent tooth decay

• Maintain a balanced diet for your child by selecting foods from the five main food groups – fruits, vegetables, meat, grains and dairy.
• Limit between-meal snacks.  If your child needs a snack, choose nutritious foods from the main food groups rather than cookies, candy and other sweets.
• Ensure that school food services and vending services offer nutritious selections.
• Encourage both children and adolescents to drink a lot of water.

Encourage brushing and flossing

• Brushing twice each day and flossing are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
• A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages two and older is all that is needed.
• Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
• For young children, select a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Children should be able to brush alone by the age of seven.
• Replace toothbrushes every three to four months.
• Use floss as soon as the child has two teeth that touch.
• Ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
• Supervise yoru child’s brushing and flossing until you are satisfied that they are doing both properly.

Make dental visits enjoyable for your child and yourself

• Schedule the dental appointment for a time when your child feels well rested and cooperative.  Avoid nap and meal time if possible.
• Don’t let anyone tell your child scary stories about going to the dentist.
• If you have your own dentist anxiety, don’t let it show to your child.
• Don’t bribe your child to go to the appointment.
• Never use a dental visit as a punishment or a threat.
• Do try and make your child’s dental visit an enjoyable outing.
• Set a good example by taking care of your oral hygiene and health.