NATIONAL CHILDREN’ DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

NATIONAL CHILDREN’ DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

What Is the National Children’s Dental Health Month?

During the month of February, the American Dental Association celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance reinforces the importance of oral health in children as well as helping parents with tips to keep their child’s smile on track! At Children’s Dental Health, our dentists and staff are taking this opportunity to share oral health tips and raise awareness of the importance of pediatric dental care at an early age.

The American Dental Association (ADA) observed Children’s Dental Health Day for the first time on February 8, 1949. In 1955, this 1–day event was extended to a week, and in 1981 to a month. Today, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February and supported with an ADA campaign.

Developing good oral health habits at an early age and visiting the dentist regularly help children get a great start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. While true any time, it is especially important for parents to take care of their child’s and their own oral health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to prevent oral disease.

Dental hygiene is one of the most important things we can teach our children. Unfortunately, for a lot of parents, getting kids to brush and floss their teeth is like … well, like pulling teeth. But if we want to protect our kids from having their teeth pulled at some point in their lives, we’ve got to show them the ins and outs of proper dental health.

Why We Have National Children’s Dental Health Month?

Each year throughout National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the American Dental Association promotes a different campaign targeting a new dental health goal.

National Children’s Dental Health Month brings together dental health professionals, caregivers, parents, and teachers to give children the best start on oral health. From brushing and flossing to healthy snacks and routine dental visits, the month also includes Give Kids A Smile Day on February 6th.

NCDHM raises awareness of how important it is for children to develop good oral habits at an early age to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) regularly recommends that children receive their first dental exam no later than one year of age to head off potential early dental problems.

Kids’ dental care also depends on parents to review certain areas of prevention with their dental professional. This includes tooth decay, what thumb-sucking can do to baby teeth, and how to get your child to become familiar with his or her dental office’s surroundings. In later years, your attention should focus on the prevention of crowded teeth and healthy gums, both achievable by seeing a dentist at least twice a year for an oral examination and professional cleaning.

First Tooth, First Birthday, First Dental Visit.

New parents often ask, “When should my child first see a dentist?” It’s never too early to start focusing on your child’s oral health! The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental home for their child by their first tooth or first birthday. During this time, parents/guardians will have the opportunity to ask questions and address any dental concerns at the primary visit and the dentist will gently swab the child’s mouth to check their gums and any erupted teeth. 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.

Tips for Your Children:

• Start early – Before you ever buy a baby’s first toothbrush, you can wipe new baby teeth clean with a soft cloth. Toddlers who are already used to having their teeth cleaned are often far more receptive to the idea of brushing their teeth later.
• Don’t skip – Making it a habit requires sticking to the schedule. Even when there is a special occasion or if our child is tired, we need to reinforce the importance of brushing.
• Model the habits you want to see – You are your child’s first teacher and role model. Let them see you brush and floss daily, or better yet, make brushing and flossing a family affair.
• Make it fun – Songs that last 2 minutes will help. Reading to your child while they brush may help, too. Even a puppet brushing his teeth can be motivating.
• Learn by example – Children emulate their parents. Brush with your children and they will want to be just like you.
• Trial and error – Try different kinds of toothpaste until you find the one junior likes.  Try using the smallest amount he will allow and working your way up to the recommended amount. Even a tiny amount is better than no toothpaste.
• Don’t give up – The pain of cavities and lifelong dental issues is more costly and damaging than dealing with these few moments of nagging battles twice a day.

Why We Love National Children’s Dental Health Month?

• It’s about more than just teeth
  Teaching kids about good oral hygiene is vital to keeping them healthy. And by developing good habits in one area, it will be easier for kids to develop good habits in other areas of their lives.

• It reminds us to floss, too
  We can teach our kids to floss, thereby instilling a good habit early in life. But National Children’s Dental Health Month also reminds parents to floss, too!

• The poster is totally rad
  The fun, colorful, and vibrant poster for National Children’s Dental Health Month showcases the “Tooth Team” and provides a few tips on dental hygiene.

Now is the Perfect Time to Take Action:

With the spotlight on dental health in February, now is the perfect time to get your child in for an annual dental check-up, if you haven’t already. Regular checkups combined with good daily oral hygiene will help ensure that teeth stay strong and healthy, reduce the odds of and the severity of tooth decay, and protect overall health at the same time.

In the meantime, talk to us about how you can perk up your smile. An attractive smile is much easier to share with the world.
If you need help improving your dental care to get the smile that you want, do not hesitate to contact Bloomfield Dental Center!
You Can Contact Us or Call Us at +1(562)-926-6502 To Make an Appointment at any time!