In the Know for You to Know

Today is the 1st day of National Children’s Dental Health Month, #NCDHM!

National Children’s Dental Health Month has a long and distinguished history. The American Dental Association (ADA) observed the very first Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. Then in 1955, this 1 day event was extended to 1 week, and in 1981 it was transformed into a 1 month celebration as an acknowledgement for children’s dental health.

Today, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February and is supported by the ADA (ada.org) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, (aapd.org)

Did You Know?

Did you know that tooth decay is the #1 chronic disease of childhood in the U.S.?

Yes it is. Cavities are more common than childhood obesity, asthma and diabetes.

When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain and infections, which can impact a child’s ability to speak, eat, play, and learn.

What To Know For Your Child’s Teeth

Children need healthy teeth. Healthy teeth help children to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also keep space for their adult teeth.

Children need their teeth to be brushed twice day just like their mommy and daddy.

Taking Care Before Teeth Come In Is Important

Before your baby’s teeth come in it’s important to clean their gums. Clean gums, clean teeth, healthy mouth from the start!

This is why it is important to establish an oral care routine by the time your baby turns 1 year old, including regular check-ups. Good oral care habits and routine visits with a pediatric dentist can help prevent tooth decay.

Taking Care Of Teeth For Your Children, Tweens and Teens Is Important

Children and adolescents who have poor oral health are more likely to have tooth pain, miss school, and perform poorly in school.

Good oral health care to help prevent cavities in childhood and adolescence is important because oral health affects a person’s overall health and well-being throughout their life.

Dental care, especially early dental visits for children is important because as parents you can be educated on oral hygiene, fluoride, injury prevention, and nutrition.

Talking Tooth Care

Introducing brushing and flossing into your child’s routine can seem complicated and feel exhausting.

A fun way to start introducing your oral care routine may by watching a video cartoon the ADA put together about a school age dinosaur named Dudley, his younger sister along with their friends, and Dudley’s message about taking care of teeth, #ADA160.

What To Remember

Tooth decay is preventable with proper care oral hygiene techniques, allowing parents and caregivers to help give their children healthy teeth, bright smiles and healthy futures!

Do cavities run in your family? Does your child have cavities? Do you feel that no matter what you do, your child will get cavities? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re her just for kids!