February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to educate not only children, but parents, caregivers, teachers, and many others about the importance and benefits of good oral health in children!
This year, the American Dental Association (ADA) is taking the month of February to inform the public about the importance of sealants.
Seal out Tooth Decay with Sealants
Used primarily on the back teeth because of their susceptibility to cavities, dental sealants are thin, protective plastic coatings dentists apply to the surfaces of molars.
Dental sealants add extra protection, keeping food particles and bacteria from getting into the nooks and crannies of the back teeth and stopping cavities in their tracks. According to the ADA, sealants are especially important to your child’s dental health as they reduce the risk of tooth decay by 80%!
Other Ways to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy
Sealants aren’t the only line of defense your child’s teeth have against cavities and tooth decay! Along with good brushing and flossing habits, here are a few tips to keep your child’s smile healthy and happy!
Choose The Right Toothbrush
The right toothbrush makes a huge difference. For young children, you should have a toothbrush that fits their mouth, has a large handle for easier manipulation, and only has soft bristles. You can learn more about choosing the right toothbrush for your child here.
Use Fluoridated Toothpaste
Toothpaste that contains fluoride is known to provide extra cavity protection. When shopping for the best toothpaste, look for the brands with the ADA-approved seal on the box!
Brush For Two Minutes, Twice A Day
It may seem like a chore to get your child to stay still long enough to thoroughly brush their teeth, but it is crucial to the health of their smile! Make it fun by choosing a two-minute song that they can brush to, and be sure to follow up with flossing!
Teach Flossing Using the Peanut Butter Method
The peanut butter method is a simple, easy way to teach children not only how to floss, but also why flossing is important. You can find everything you need to know about this method here.
Healthy Mouths Equal Happy Smiles
Part of a child’s development and overall health includes the health of their teeth and gums. The mouth harbors a lot of bacteria throughout the day and night, which eventually leads to tooth decay if your child’s smile isn’t regularly brushed and flossed. Without proper dental care, children will fall victim to cavities and gum disease, which can cause pain, discomfort, lack of nutrition intake, and missed school.
Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day for two minutes is key to healthy teeth and gums. Find a two minute song that your kids like and have them brush for the duration of the song (maybe incorporate some dancing to make it even more fun)! Following up with floss is essential to a complete dental health routine.
Check out our infographic for more information on the National Children’s Dental Health campaign, then contact us to set up an appointment at one of our convenient Charlotte locations!
Special Offer for New Patients
As a welcome for new patients, we're offering a FREE Doctors Exam for new patients ages 7 and under. Learn how to take advantage of this offer here!
