National Children’s Dental Health Month

Every February is the American Dental Association’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. In February 2019, the theme for this annual health observance is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.” The theme promotes one of the most significant issues for child dental wellness, that of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Brush and Clean In Between to Build a Healthy Smile

The February 2019 National Children’s’ Dental Health Month theme, “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile,” reminds parents that children’s daily oral hygiene plays a huge role in their development. This oral hygiene includes several steps, not just morning brushing.

Children need to brush their teeth twice daily using a quality fluoride toothpaste. Parents need to supervise young children in doing this until kids pick up on the right method of brushing for at least two minutes. Flossing once daily is also important.

February’s health observance is the perfect time to pick up on these habits. Teach your children how to hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle from their teeth when brushing, as well as to brush all tooth surfaces, gum line, and tongue. Talk to your dentist about whether your child needs fluoride supplements, dental sealants or other protective steps to prevent tooth decay.

Sipping and Snacking Can Cause Tooth Decay

Another important focus of the National Children’s Dental Health Month is sipping and snacking. Making the right food choices plays a significant role in your child’s dental health, just like brushing and flossing.

Talk to your family dentist about good snacking and sipping habits, as well as what to avoid. These tips include:

• Avoiding foods and drinks high in sugar and starch
• Avoiding grazing throughout the day
• Eating healthy snacks only when needed
• Chewing sugarless gum for a half hour after eating to increase saliva flow
• Making just healthy beverage choices like water and low-fat milk

Visit Your Family Dentist for National Children s Dental Health Month

This February, take big steps to help your children improve their dental health by visiting your family dentist. If you do not yet have a family dentist, find one offering a good mix of dental services, such as:

• Preventive dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Professional teeth whitening
• General dentistry

Your Queen Creek family dentist at Marketplace Dental Excellence provides these and other family dental services. Call Marketplace Dental Excellence now to schedule your National Children s Dental Health Month visit in February. During this visit, you and your children gain preventive care and learn more about maintaining your best oral health. Call 480.545.8700 now.