February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance reinforces the importance of oral health in children. The importance of dental care cannot be overstated or started early enough. Here are some tips to make sure your children’s oral health and dental care at an early age.

First Dental Visit. 

It’s never too early to start focusing on your child’s oral health. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents/guardians establish a dental care routine for their child by their first tooth or first birthday. The first visit to the dentist offers an opportunity to ask questions and address any dental concerns. A dentist will gently swab the child’s mouth to check their gums and any baby teeth coming in. As the child starts teething, the dentist will be able to monitor their progress and implement preventative measures for any concerns with your baby’s teeth.

Baby Teeth 

Baby teeth are so important because of their key role of saving space for a child’s permanent teeth. They stay in a child’s mouth for 8-10 years and affect their speaking, chewing, and smiling. Baby teeth can also indicate a child’s overall quality of health. Untreated tooth decay can cause oral infections that enter the bloodstream and lead to other serious health problems, while also allowing bacteria to spread to new adult teeth.

While daily brushing is an important part of a child’s oral hygiene routine, bacteria that causes tooth decay can still linger between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. That’s why it’s so important to help your kids incorporate flossing in their daily routine.

Your Family’s Oral Health 

Family dentistry offers an opportunity for not just children but for adults as well to maintain their oral health.  The following oral health tips to start your little ones on their journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles but are a good reminder for the adults. 

• Schedule routine check-ups. If it’s been more than six months since a dentist visit, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
• Clean gums daily. For babies and toddlers gently wipe a damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria after each feeding.
• Start brushing with the first tooth. Begin brushing your baby’s teeth when you see one coming in with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush twice each day for two minutes. Children ages 2-6 should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always supervise kids younger than six years old while brushing, as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.
• Begin flossing. Once your child’s teeth touch, you can start flossing in between them.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Delay Can Cause Decay

Early childhood tooth decay has become the most common chronic childhood disease, impacting more children than asthma. According to the ADA, more than 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach Kindergarten. Additionally, kids who suffer from poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school because of dental pain.

So, it is important that you do not delay making that first visit to a dentist and make sure you set up and stay to a regular dental care schedule. Don’t wait, Dr. Soto the Downey Dentist is standing by to help your family from youngest to oldest. Click this link for an easy online form https://drsotodentist.com/patient-info/book-an-appointment/.