February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Tooth decay is a chronic disease found in American children. There’s a misconception regarding oral health, especially among children, that the state of their teeth isn’t a big deal, because the baby teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth, causing no harm. But the truth is that kids should learn to take care of their teeth. Their approach to oral hygiene during childhood is not only important for their baby teeth but also for how their mouth develops.

All About National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) is observed in February to increase awareness about pediatric dental hygiene. NCDHM is sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) and this year’s campaign slogan is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile”.

This health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to spread awareness about the benefits of good oral health among children, their caregivers, teachers, and others. Healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health, as poor oral care can lead to infection, disease, or other teeth problems. It is therefore important to teach your child the significance of adhering to good dental habits as they grow.

Here are some steps that children should take to ensure the good health of their teeth:

• Brush at least twice a day: Children should brush their teeth before breakfast and before bedtime. Brushing properly breaks down plaque.
• Learn how to brush properly: It is important to learn how to brush, because just brushing the front teeth won’t help. Brushing every single tooth—from incisors, canines (front teeth) to premolars, molars (back teeth) is very important. Their dentist can show kids the best way to brush teeth, without damaging the gums.
• Take your time while brushing: Many adults take less than a minute to brush their teeth, which is not right. Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush and teach your children to follow these timings.
• Use a brush with soft bristles and a fluoride paste: Ensure your child’s toothbrush has soft bristles. The American Dental Association recommends that you begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, and to use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you change your child’s brush every 3 months.
• Flossing: This is a major component of oral hygiene or teeth care. Bacteria that cause tooth decay can linger between teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing can resolve this concern. Slip dental floss between each tooth and along the gum line gently once a day.
• Evaluate your child’s diet: Kids eat a lot of sugary foods and are at high risk for cavities. Therefore, make sure your children follow a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid too much sugar and limit your child from having a lot of soda, fruit juice, or sweetened drinks. If your child does have sugary items, make sure they brush their teeth afterward.
• Clean the tongue too: For better oral hygiene it is advised to brush your tongue, which can help keep your breath fresh. So, encourage your kids to do so.
• Visit the dentist twice a year: Schedule appointments with your pediatric dentist, at least every six months. Visiting the dentist from a young age will make your child feel comfortable and also help establish the good habit of oral hygiene.

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, maintaining your child’s oral health also depends on their dietary habits. Consuming too much sugary snacks and acidic beverages can contribute to cavities and enamel erosion. Encouraging a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help strengthen the teeth and gums. Ensure they wash their mouth with water after every meal, to remove food particles and bacteria.