Did you know that February is National Children’s Health Month? As a parent, you do everything to keep your kids healthy, but it’s easy to forget about their oral health. Some of the most common health issues in American children are tooth decay and cavities, so it’s important to help them take care of their teeth. Thankfully, your dentist has some expert tips on how to maintain your children’s oral health. That way, you can set them up for dental success in the future.
How Does Poor Oral Health Affect Children?
Untreated cavities can lead to infection, pain, trouble eating, speaking, and learning. Studies show that children with good oral health attend more school and receive better grades. Additionally, it is estimated that 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related problems. For this reason alone, your child’s overall health is more important than just keeping their teeth clean. With 42% of children ages 2 to 11 having at least one untreated cavity, it’s important to help kids maintain a proper oral healthcare routine at home.
How Can I Take Care of My Child’s Oral Health?
Getting your children into the habit of good oral healthcare at a young age will make them more likely to take care of their teeth on their own in the future. Thankfully, your children’s dentist in Harrisonburg has some tips you can use to help your kids protect their teeth and mouth:
- Encourage brushing and flossing: Make brushing fun by cleaning your teeth with your little ones. You can turn on their favorite song to transform brushing into a party or brush your teeth with them to show them how the grown-ups do it. Be sure that they brush twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste, for 2 minutes each session. They should also floss at least once everyday to remove plaque and food debris.
- Give them water: Avoid sugary beverages while giving them tap water. Most tap water contains fluoride, which is a natural cavity-fighting mineral.
- Dental sealants: Ask your dentist if your child is a candidate for dental sealants. These thin coats of resin are applied to their molars to protect cavities from occurring in the first place!
- Visit the dentist: Make sure your child sees their dentist every 6 months to prevent and detect oral health issues before they become more serious
If your child is younger than 6, it’s important that you’re always with them when they’re brushing and flossing. At this age, they don’t have the knowledge or dexterity to brush and floss properly, which is where your important job of facilitator comes in.
Now that you know why children’s dental health is important, use these tips to keep their oral and overall health in good shape. That way, their mouth can stay healthy for National Children’s Dental Health Month and beyond.
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have a team of 3 dentists with a passion for caring for children. They understand the importance of good oral healthcare early on, which is why they want you to know these helpful tips. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (540) 432-6616.