February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This is a great month to focus on the importance of starting a solid dental health routine for your child. By establishing a dental routine early on, the chances of your child experiencing dental hygiene problems lessens dramatically.
According to the American Dental Association(ADA):
- “While all children are born cavity free, statistics show that caries, the disease that causes tooth decay, is the most common, chronic childhood disease in the United States—five times more common than asthma. Yet unlike asthma, tooth decay can be prevented.”
- Since your child didn’t come with an instruction manual here are some great tips to guide you in the right direction to starting out on the right path with caring for your child’s teeth, per the ADA:
First tooth = first dental visit. When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your dentist about scheduling the first dental visit. Treat the first dental visit as you would a well-baby checkup and continue check-ups as recommended. Remember: starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health.- There’s no such thing as “clean” spit. Cavity-causing bacteria are passed through saliva. When parents or caregivers “clean” a pacifier or use the same utensil to taste food before feeding their child, the bacteria can be passed along.
- Three years old, going on 20! By the time children are three years old, most will have a full set of 20 baby teeth. But don’t wait till then to start brushing; begin as soon as a child’s first tooth grows in. Visit MouthHealthy.org for recommendations on how to brush at every age, including how much toothpaste to use.
- Brushing doesn’t have to be boring. Keep a sticker chart to track and reward brushing and play two-minute long videos to help kids get into the habit of brushing for a full two minutes. Get a free, downloadable sticker chart and videos at 2min2x.org.
We are also Roseville parents, who understand that a child’s relationship with a caring and kind dental team will set the tone for both present & future interactions with dental professionals. Establishing good feelings about dentists and dental care will help your child develop good dental habits that last a lifetime.
Our highly skilled, friendly dentists & support staff provide basic and advanced children’s dental care in a safe, comfortable environment, with the latest technologies in dental treatment. We are you partners in keeping your child’s beautiful smile, which is a reflection of a happy & healthy child!
