It’s February, and not only does that mean the month of love, but it is also National Children’s Dental Health Month. So, what is it all about? From a Keller dentist, we say the purpose of this month is awareness. Dentists and practices, healthcare providers, and educators come together in this month to spread awareness to parents all over the importance of their children’s oral health. We use this month as a time to remind parents to teach their children healthy oral habits from a young age as well as ensure they are regularly bringing their kids in for visits and checkups.
While tooth decay is preventable, it is much too common amongst children. Life gets busy and parents don’t prioritize enforcing healthy oral habits, including regular visits to their Keller dentist. This results in cavities and tooth decay. To make sure your child grows up with a healthy smile you want to instill these good habits in them from when they are little.
The importance of oral health, in general, is not widely understood, in that many people are not aware of the direct correlation between oral health and overall health. What does it mean to practice good oral habits?
• Having your child brush at least twice a day (for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and water)
• Having your child floss at least once a day
• & Taking your child in to see their pediatric Keller dentist every 6 months from age 2 and up
We know it can be difficult to enforce these habits, so we have come up with some tips as well as ideas as to how you can make it a bit more fun…
- Make brushing a family activity
When it’s time for your child to brush their teeth in the morning and evening, make it a family activity! Spend time with your child while teaching them how to brush their teeth properly. Making it fun will help your child to learn these habits. -
Allow your child to pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste from the store
If your child is able to express themselves and exhibit a little bit of control, they will more easily learn healthy oral habits. Let them pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste from the store.
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Portray your child’s Keller dentist in a positive light
Your child looks to you when it comes to understanding and interpreting different things in life. If you portray the dentist in a positive light, they will learn to associate dental visits that way too. When you have to make trips yourself to your Keller dentist, ensure your child doesn’t see any disappointment in this. -
Play your child’s favorite song during brushing time
While many songs are around 2 minutes long, playing your child’s favorite song during brushing time not only makes it more fun but ensures they are brushing for the expert-suggested amount of time. -
Substitute healthier snacks over sugary ones
Your Keller dentist will remind you that sugar is your child’s teeth’s number one enemy. Many kid’s snacks are full of hidden sugars that encourage tooth decay in your child’s mouth. Try to switch to snacks that contain only naturally occurring sugars. -
Make sure your children are getting their fluoride
This month’s NCDHM‘s slogan is, “Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap”! Be sure your kids are getting the fluoride they need to help prevent cavities. They should be using a toothpaste with fluoride, but they can also get healthy amounts of fluoride from tap water, or you as a parent can even consider getting them fluoride treatments from their Keller dentist.
Take these tips and tricks to make oral health care more fun. Practicing these habits with your child when they are young will ensure they have a healthier smile for life. Don’t neglect your own smile, make sure you are setting a good example for your child by visiting your family Keller dentist for a cleaning and checkup every 4 to 6 months.
Here at Brent Cornelius, D.D.S, our patient’s health is our priority. Keep you and your family smiling and call us today to schedule a checkup and cleaning.
