February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The ADA (American Dental Association) and our team are using this month as an opportunity to educate our patients, social media followers, parents and children on oral health. We want to promote good dental hygiene habits that support healthy smiles for a lifetime!
According to the CDC, 1 in every 5 children (20%) aged 5 to 11 years old have at least one untreated cavity! That’s about 5 children in every classroom who have untreated tooth decay.
We’re joining in on pediatric dental health awareness, because now is the time to prevent cavities! Here’s why:
The Importance of Oral Health with Tiny Teeth
Baby teeth may be small, but they play a critical role in preparing the mouth for a beautiful set of permanent teeth. They also impact major functions, like chewing, speaking, and sleeping quality. Baby teeth are in our mouths for about 8 to 10 years—a significant amount of time!
Good oral hygiene is as important as ever when the baby teeth are still present. Baby teeth can still develop cavities (tooth decay) and the gums can still develop gum disease! Developing strong oral hygiene habits early on can protect the gums and baby teeth, and support the permanent teeth for a lifetime.
How You Can Celebrate
The best way to bring awareness to pediatric dental health month is to help your child develop a strong oral hygiene routine.
- Help your child understand why it’s important to brush and floss their teeth every night.
- Explain the potential consequences of neglecting their dental hygiene.
- Lead by example. Brush and floss your teeth with your child.
- Encourage your child to love their smile and to do everything they can to protect their smile.
What if my child doesn’t like going to the dentist?
We understand this challenge! It’s a natural response for your child to feel anxious about their dental appointments.
Preparing your child before his or her visit to the dentist can make all the difference in how they feel when they arrive at their appointment. Choose positive, calming words when describing the dentist and dental appointments. Consider a mock appointment in your own home, using a toothbrush to count each tooth. This shows your child that a dental checkup isn’t simple and—it won’t hurt!
Want some more advice? Check out these 4 tips to help change your child’s mind about the dentist. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any more questions! We’re here to create a calm and comfortable environment for you and your child.
Still have questions about children’s dental hygiene?
We’re here for you! Our dentists have years of experience working with young patients and their parents to develop strong, healthy smiles. If you have any questions, or you’d like some more advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
If your child hasn’t received a dental check-up recently, we encourage you to request an appointment today. We offer routine care check-ups, exams and prevention services, growth and development services, tongue-tie and lip-tie revisions and more.
Our dentists are dedicated to you and your child.
