National Children’s Dental Health Month
Getting dental care helps prevent cavities and gum disease. It’s imperative for children to develop healthy dental habits at a young age. To raise awareness, the American Dental Association (ADA) created the National Children’s Dental Health Month. Through this awareness, individuals are encouraged to make an appointment for pediatric and family dentistry services.
What Is the National Children’s Dental Health Month?
The National Children’s Dental Health Month happens in February each year. Thousands of dental professionals use this month to raise awareness about the benefits of having good oral health. This year, the slogan for National Children’s Dental Health Month is, “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.”
During the National Children’s Dental Health Month, dentists across the country celebrate Give Kids a Smile Day. On this day, underserved children receive free oral health care. The event also includes posters, brochures and activity pages that encourage children to practice good dental hygiene.
How Can Children Develop Healthy Habits?
With the help of the pediatric dentist, Pasadena TX provides, your child can get the dental care they need. Children should go to regular dental visits for teeth cleanings. Other than visiting the dentist, children also need to practice techniques like brushing, flossing and rinsing.
Food plays a huge role in a child’s dental health. Healthy snacks like fruit and vegetables help to build strong teeth and gums. Meanwhile, sugary beverages can lead to cavities and dental problems. By eating the right foods, children can enjoy better dental health.
Your child’s baby teeth can decay as soon as they erupt from the gums. The ADA recommends taking children to the dentist as soon as their teeth start to form. Fortunately, childhood tooth decay is entirely preventable.
When your child is a newborn, start cleaning their mouth by wiping their gums with a clean washcloth. As soon as your child develops baby teeth, you should start brushing their teeth twice a day. When children are three years old, you can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
As the child grows older, they can start brushing and flossing their own teeth. They should get regular dental checkups to make sure that their teeth are healthy and forming properly. Your dentist can also recommend any other steps that you should take to help your child develop healthy teeth.