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February is the month of love, and what better time to celebrate the love you have for your children and their smile? This month also happens to be National Children’s Dental Health Month. It was established by the American Dental Association to showcase just how important proper oral health care in children really is. Establishing healthy oral care habits at a young age sets children up for better health throughout their whole lives. A daily oral care routine can prevent them from experiencing unnecessary pain, embarrassment, and other medical issues such as these, if they were to neglect their dental health early in life:
- Difficulty chewing, eating, or sleeping
- Painful teeth and gums
- Gum disease
- Embarrassment when talking or smiling which could negatively impact their confidence.
Even with all the efforts in place to emphasize the importance of good oral habits in childhood, studies show that, unfortunately, 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.This is why 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. At this first dental visit, a dentist can educate parents on how to best care for their child’s teeth and empower them to pass this education on to their children.
If you’re a new parent or a parent feeling overwhelmed at where to begin on this oral health journey for your children, there’s no need to panic! Our expert team at Simply Smiles has compiled 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 to be avoided. 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.
- 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 and erode their enamel. 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 way to keep your child’s smile healthy. You may even up your own oral health care game!
If you’re in the market for a new dentist for your family, 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. Call our office today to book an appointment for your little ones!
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/