In the Know for You to Know
Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month!
While we are dedicated to children’s dental health every day, this month makes it extra special to celebrate strong healthy smiles.
When did this annual tribute to children’s dental health begin? The American Dental Association (ADA) first observed Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. In 1955, this 1-day event was extended to one week, and in 1981 it was transformed into a full month celebration acknowledging children’s dental health.
Today, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February and is supported by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Did You Know?
4 facts for you to know:
- More children have cavities than have asthma,
- Children who have cavities when they are young struggle with cavities their whole life,
- The right amount of fluoride makes teeth strong,
- Cavities are preventable.
What To Know For Your Baby’s Teeth
Children need their baby teeth. Healthy baby teeth allow them to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also keep space for the adult teeth.
It’s important for children to have their teeth brushed twice a day just like their mommy and daddy.
Taking Care Before Teeth Come In
Before your baby’s teeth come into their mouth, it’s important to clean their gums. Clean your baby’s gums after every feeding, before their naps, and before bed time with a clean damp washcloth.
Healthy habits start early.
Taking Care Of Teeth For Children, Tweens And Teens Is Important
Good oral health along with healthy meals and snacks go a long way to help prevent cavities in childhood and adolescence.
Young children want to brush their own teeth, but they really need your help.
As children get older they still need your help to brush and floss properly. They have new teeth coming in they don’t even know about.
Adolescents watch and see everything. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example which also helps your child’s teeth stay healthy.
Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities
Fluoride is nature’s cavity super-power.
There are 3 ways fluoride helps make teeth strong:
- Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it stronger against cavities,
- Fluoride repairs tiny weak spots in the enamel before bigger problems develop,
- Fluoride fights against cavity causing bacteria in the mouth.
Fluoride Is Safe
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all agree that water fluoridation is safe, effective and works to prevent tooth decay (aka cavities).
Talking Tooth Care
Introducing brushing and flossing into your child’s routine can seem complicated.
A fun way to start introducing your at home toothbrushing and flossing routine can start with watching a video cartoon the ADA put together about a school age dinosaur named Dudley and his message about taking care of teeth.
What To Remember
Cavities are the #1 childhood disease. The good news is they are preventable.
Start early even before your infant gets their first tooth by cleaning their gums.
As your child grows your consistency helps establish their daily toothbrushing and flossing routine. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example will also help your child’s teeth stay healthy.
Cavities are preventable with a good at home oral hygiene routine, eating healthy foods, and drinking fluoridated water. As a parent you can help give your child their bright healthy smile.
What are your healthy toothbrushing habits? Do you have any tips and tricks for your child’s daily routine? What are your tips to prevent cavities? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
kidstoothhotline 
One thought on “Talking Teeth, February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month”
Comments are closed.