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Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? It was established by the American Dental Association in 1949 as a one-day event, but by the 80’s it was shifted to a national, month-long observance to showcase just how important proper oral health care in children really is. Establishing healthy oral care habits in young children will set them up for healthier mouths throughout their whole lives. These invaluable habits will save them from unnecessary pain, embarrassment, and other medical issues that could arise later in life if they were to neglect their dental health early on.
Here are a few examples of how improper care of teeth, even baby teeth, can affect your child:
- Difficulty chewing, eating, or sleeping
- Painful teeth and gums
- Gum disease
- Embarrassment when talking or smiling which could negatively impact their confidence.
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that children should visit a dentist by age 1, or as soon as the first tooth appears – whichever comes first. This first visit allows a dentist to educate parents on how to best care for their child’s teeth so that the parent can then begin to instruct their child on proper oral care as they grow up. Unfortunately, despite this advice, studies show that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they start kindergarten.
Don’t fret! Our expert team at Simply Smiles has good news – it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some of our best tips for ensuring that your child is set up for success with their oral health and beyond!
- Avoid bottles in bed.
- Baby bottle tooth decay is a real thing, and something you definitely want to avoid. Breast milk and formula both contain sugars that can sit on your baby’s teeth overnight, and the acids will begin to eat away the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities. It’s even a good idea to wipe any milk or formula residue off your baby’s gums before they even get their first tooth.
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day.
- Teach your child to brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Try playing a song to help them gauge the time and make the task more fun!
- Don’t skip the flossing!
- If you aren’t flossing, you’re missing 33% of each tooth’s surface, which is a great place for decay to set in. Don’t let your child skip this step!
- Make sure your child is getting enough fluoride, and consider getting them sealants.
- Ask your dentist about getting your child fluoride treatments, and make sure there’s fluoride in their toothpaste. Sealants are also a great way to protect your child’s teeth and prevent cavities. Check out our post on sealants here.
- Feed your children a healthy diet, low in sugar.
- Offer your child healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary snacks that will stick to their teeth. Also try to cut out the sugary drinks, and stick with water instead.
- Bring your family in for regular dental visits every six months.
- Coming in for regular dental visits twice a year is a huge step in the right direction for keeping your child’s smile healthy. You may even up your own oral health care game!
Simply Smiles Miami would love to be your dentist of choice when bringing in your children for their regular check-ups. One of Dr. Kiara Miro-Trujillo’s areas of interest is Pediatric Dentistry, and we are one of Pinecrest’s top Pediatric Dentists. We understand that visiting the dentist can be scary for your child, and we pay close attention to those fears while providing a fun and comfortable environment.
Looking for a way to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month? Call our office today to book an appointment for your little loves!
Sources:
https://thecenterforpediatricdentistry.com/for-parents-and-patients/why-early-childhood/
https://www.pacificdental.com/blog?p=february-is-national-childrens-dental-health-month
http://www.highlandskidsdentistry.com/blog/2016/02/the-importance-of-oral-health-care-for-your-child
https://simplysmilesmiami.com/services/pediatric-dentistry/