It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!

It is February, and we are celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month in the U.S. The purpose of this celebration is to promote the benefits of good oral health as developing good dental health habits at an early age helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the community water fluoridation program and highlight its effectiveness, the American Dental Associate has chosen "Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap!" as the campaign slogan of 2021.  This slogan emphasizes the benefit of drinking water more frequently to help prevent cavities and tooth decay in children. Drinking tap water containing fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and protect enamel in the following ways: 

• Drinking water after every meal helps keep teeth clean by washing away food debris and sugar from the teeth.
• Water dilutes the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. This acid is responsible for dissolving teeth and enamel.
• Drinking water increases the production of saliva in the mouth, thus preventing dry mouth and cavities.

Here are some dental tips that help the little ones in your family build a healthy oral hygiene habit from a younger age: 

• Give your children plain water instead of sugary drinks, sweetened juices, or soft drinks when they are thirsty. The acidity of these sweetened drinks can lead to tooth erosion and decay.
• Putting a baby to bed with a bottle can decay your child's teeth.  Babies can get cavities if they are allowed to sleep every day with a bottle filled with milk. Milk contains sugars, and if left on teeth uncleaned, it can promote tooth decay. 
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup when they turn the age of one. 
• If your kids like chewing gums, give them sugarless ones as chewing them after eating can boost saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
• Avoid putting a spoon or food from your mouth into the child's mouth to prevent spreading germs.
• Teach your children to follow a proper dental hygiene habit by brushing and flossing their teeth every day. Time their brushing to two minutes. You can seek the assistance of those interacting apps that help keep the time and make teeth brushing fun for your kids. 
• Playing sports can increase the risk of the occurrence of dental injuries. Ensure your child wears a mouthguard when playing sports, as they help reduce the risk of mouth-related injuries. 
• Let your children eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and healthy beverages.
• Ṭake your child to the dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. 

While brushing and flossing are crucial for growing smiles, do not forget to maintain your pediatric dentist visits at Del Mar Family Dental Care. Want to learn more on how to take care of your child's teeth? Schedule an appointment with us.