February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, reminding us to sharpen our focus on the importance of good oral hygiene as part of a child’s overall health. Tooth decay affects more than 25% of U.S. children 2-5 years old and 50% of U.S. children
12-15 years old, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is therefore especially important to develop good habits at an early age and schedule regular dental visits to help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Here are some tips to help your kids maintain a great, healthy smile:
- Brush at least twice a day to remove plaque. Plaque left on tooth surfaces can result in cavities.
- Floss daily. Flossing helps to remove food debris from in between the teeth and under the gums that a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Eat healthy and nutritious foods and limit the intake of sugary carbonated drinks.
- Visit your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings.
- Fluoride treatments twice a year are very beneficial in preventing tooth decay in children.
- Sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and premolars to help prevent tooth decay.
- Wear a mouth guard during sports to reduce injuries to the mouth and teeth.
Good oral hygiene starts in the home, so educate your child today and help pave the way for a healthy future!