In the Know for You to Know

What makes you smile?

Is it your child’s healthy smile? Is it your child laughing with friends at camp, at the park, or on play dates? Is it their fresh breath when you’re snuggling and cuddling?

Did you know that learning good oral hygiene habits early can help them develop healthy dental habits for life?

And that leading by example and practicing good daily habits for yourself has an important impact on your child?

So what does oral hygiene have to do with fresh breath? The answer is, Everything.

Here’s what I want you to know.

What Is National Fresh Breath Day?

National Fresh Breath Day is celebrated every year on August 6th.

This day highlights the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene to achieve fresh breath and its relationship with overall well-being.

It’s a reminder of the value of good daily oral hygiene and the broader health implications linked to it.

When Did National Fresh Breath Day Start?

The history of this day dates back to Dr. Harold Katz in 1994. Dr. Katz founded this day to promote regular brushing, routine flossing, and dental check ups.

Why Is Oral Hygiene Important?

Good oral hygiene is a twofold process, involving professional preventive care and personal daily practices like proper brushing and flossing.

This is about your child’s dental health and how it affects them having fresh breath.

6 Reasons Why It’s Important For Children To Learn Good Oral Hygiene Early

1. Teaching children proper oral hygiene habits at an early age lays the foundation for life long dental health;
2. Young children who develop daily consistent brushing and flossing habits are more likely to maintain healthy teeth and gums into adulthood;
3. National Fresh Breath Day provides an excellent opportunity for parents to explain why brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits matter. As children grow they begin to understand the reasons behind these habits and become more motivated to practice them consistently;
4. Good oral care also reduces the risk of cavities, gum problems, and school absences caused by tooth pain;
5. As children grow older, they come to understand that maintaining good oral hygiene insures fresh breath, is a confidence booster and contributes to their long term wellness;
6. Positive reinforcement, fun educational activities, colorful toothbrushes, and family brushing routines encourage children to view oral care as part of daily life.

Does Oral Health Have An Impact on The Body?

The correlation between oral health and systemic health is now being increasingly recognized within the medical community.

Even for children, the health of their mouth is a mirror to the overall well being of their body. Their mouth reflects systemic conditions that may be developing but otherwise remain invisible.

Examples Of Oral Health’s Systemic Effect

• Studies suggest that poor dental hygiene, gum disease and tooth decay can be a significant risk factor for heart disease;
• Diabetes: Poor oral health can exacerbate diabetes by increasing blood sugar levels;
• Gum Disease and Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled, leading to lung infections;
• Oral Inflammation and Kidney Disease: Chronic oral inflammation can weaken kidneys, potentially leading to disease;
• Self-esteem: Poor oral health can lead to low self-esteem;
• Chronic Pain: Conditions like gum disease and infections can cause persistent pain, contributing to stress and anxiety.

What Are The Daily Habits For Fresh Breath?

Ensuring a daily, consistent supervised routine for your child is the way to maintain their fresh breath.

Did you know your child’s mouth is home to billions of bacteria? While many of them are perfectly normal, here’s how to help keep the harmful bacteria under control so your child’s smile stays healthy and strong:

• Twice daily tooth brushing with a fluoride toothpaste: 2 minutes 2x’s a day,
• Nightly flossing: Floss removes food particles and plaque between teeth that toothbrushes can’t reach. Floss before brushing and then brush all the “stuff” away,
• Brush their Tongue: Brush away the food and plaque off their tongue to enhance oral hygiene and breath freshness,
• Toothbrush: Choose a soft bristled, age appropriate sized brush. Replace it every 3 months or when bristles fray,
• Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods with strong odors can also help maintain fresh breath,
• Crunchy vegetables like celery, apples, cucumbers and carrots aren’t just nutritious but also helpful in maintaining fresh breath. Their high water content stimulates saliva, and crunchy texture helps scrub away bacteria which leads to better hygiene between meals and fresh breath,
• Drink water: Drinking water throughout the day aids in maintaining fresh breath. Staying hydrated increases saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and helps reduce bacteria that can cause bad breath,
• No smoking or vaping: Smoking in any form is bad, it’s detrimental to everyone’s health. It adversely impacts oral hygiene, causing issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. It also leads to bad breath due to the accumulation of toxins and drying of the mouth,
• Schedule and keep up with regular dental check ups.

What I Want You To Know

National Fresh Breath Day is a reminder that small daily habits produce the greatest long term health benefits. This is what makes us smile!

How will your family celebrate National Fresh Breath Day? What new habits will you begin? Any habits you want to update? Give us a shout out, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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