National Children's Dental Health Month

Children's Dental Health Awareness Month!

Every year, in February, we celebrate National Children's Dental Health Awareness Month. We believe it is SO important to educate our patients, families, parents and young children about how they can and why they should care for their teeth. 

We like to celebrate by going to local classrooms and talking directly with the children within our community about why it's so important to take care of their teeth. This year, we are visiting 17 local classrooms and talking to over 350 children! That's a LOT of teeth!

So, why is it so important to take care of your child's teeth?

  • You only get one set of adult teeth ... and they have to last the rest of your life!
  • Decay can cause pain and eventual tooth loss, if not treated.
  • We use our teeth to eat, talk and smile ... EVERY day.

How can you take care of your child's teeth?

  • See a dentist and hygienist for a professional cleaning every 6 months
  • Brush your teeth 2 times a day, for 2 minutes each time
  • Floss once a day
  • Eat healthy foods and drinks
  • Eat sugary, acidic or sticky foods in moderation
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3 - 6 months
  • Regularly check to see if your child is doing a good job brushing and even assist them in brushing once a day (generally until they are 8 - 10 years old, but can vary)
  • Have your dentist or hygienist place sealants on your child's teeth 
  • Use a fluoride rinse at home

All of these things are actions we can take on a frequent, if not daily, basis to ensure that we are properly caring for our teeth. Our teeth are so important to our well-being and they will only last as long as we take care of them. 

Be sure to schedule your child for their preventative dental visit and make sure your child is brushing 2 minutes, 2 times a day and flossing once a day!

For more information on sealants or questions about your child's care, feel free to ask any of our staff or your dentist.

For more information on Children's National Dental Health Month and for downloadable activities, visit these sites: 

  • http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month
  • http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/NCDHM/2017NCDHM-activities-calendar.pdf?la=en
  • http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/2017NCDHM-stoplightmilk%20edit.pdf?la=en