Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? While it’s important to take care of your child’s teeth every day, the American Dental Association (ADA) makes oral health for kids their focus for the second month of the year. Find out what you can do to make dental hygiene a priority with these top five tips from Comprehensive Dental, your preferred family dentist in Lincoln Park, NJ.
What Is National Children’s Dental Health Month?
Starting in the 1940s in Cleveland, OH, this small initiative eventually grew and became a nationwide campaign from the American Dental Association (ADA). Each year, the ADA picks a theme about oral hygiene and provides resources to teachers, parents, and oral healthcare professionals. The goal is to increase awareness about dental care for kids and to teach people how they can help give children a healthy smile that will last their entire lives.
What Healthy Dental Habits Can I Teach My Children?
We pride ourselves on being the superior children’s dentist in Lincoln Park, NJ and our team of experienced dentists suggest the following strategies to set kids up for a lifetime of dental success:
- 2×2 – Brush gently for two minutes, twice a day – and floss each time you brush. This is crucial since the youngest members of your family are especially susceptible to tooth decay. Parents should practice their oral hygiene right alongside their children to make sure they use proper technique and avoid swallowing toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Eat Healthy – Everyone knows just how many sweet treats are targeted at children. Your family can win the battle against tooth decay by eliminating sugary foods and beverages, including fruit juice. Stick to water as your preferred beverage, and switch to high-protein refreshments, veggies, leafy greens that are loaded with calcium, and dairy products – remember to say cheese, since eating it can help saliva protect teeth.
- Stop Smoking – If you smoke or use other tobacco products, stop immediately. Not only is this habit unhealthy for your entire body, it can cause unsightly staining to teeth and bad breath, too. And, tobacco is the biggest contributor to cancers of the mouth and throat. Put the pack down – your kids are watching.
- Make It Fun – To make a lifelong impression on your children, teach them about oral hygiene in a way that’s enjoyable. Try these activity pages from the ADA, read stories about the dentist, and listen to a 2-3 minute song while brushing your teeth to make sure your kids brush for the right amount of time.
- Lead By Example – If you tell your children their teeth are important, but you drink soda all day, you chew tobacco, or you avoid going to the dentist, your son or daughter will pick up on this message. Children are very perceptive and will follow your example of how to take care of their smile.
BONUS TIP: See Your Dentist – Visit us at least twice a year for regular exams and cleanings. Since dental problems can occur as soon as teeth arrive in the mouth, the ADA recommends scheduling your child’s first appointment by the time they turn one.
Now that you know what National Children’s Dental Health Month is all about, participate by scheduling your child’s appointment with Comprehensive Dental today!