It’s never too early to set your child on a path to good oral health, especially with February as National Children’s Dental Health Month.
To raise awareness about the importance of oral health among our youngsters, February is designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month. The event launched on Feb. 8, 1949 as a day-long event. In 1981, the entire month of February was dedicated to improving childhood dental health with the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsoring programs that promote prevention and education not only among parents, but with children, as well.
Childhood cavities are one of the most preventable children’s dental diseases, the ADA points out. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health, 42 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have cavities in their primary teeth. If you want to start your child on a path to good dental health, take advantage of the month of February to teach them about proper oral care and get them comfortable with visiting a dentist — like one at Espire Dental!
“Sealants Make Sense!”
Each year, the ADA selects a topic for National Children’s Dental Health Month. For 2022, the theme is “Sealants Make Sense!”
But what are sealants?
Molar teeth are lined with grooves and pits. As such, they offer an easy breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria and plaque. Sealants are thin coatings brushed on the surface of your child’s molars to protect the teeth against decay. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities for up to two years, and 50 percent for up to four years.
Applying the sealant causes no pain to your child, and the coating is virtually invisible. You should consider a sealant when permanent molars appear, which is usually around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for second molars. The sealants typically last nine years. If the sealant slips off, it can easily be replaced.
Preventing Cavities with Good Oral Habits
Sealants protecting the teeth from cavities means strong, healthy teeth for your child. Filling cavities can be painful and leave the tooth weaker and prone to breakage. Further, dental sealants are much cheaper than fillings, so you’ll spend less on dentist bills — a win for you and your child!
However, sealants are only one part of a comprehensive oral health care plan. To ensure your child maintains healthy teeth throughout childhood, you should model good dental hygiene practices starting from when the first tooth appears. That way, they’ll continue those practices into adulthood. Here’s what you can do right now:
Start Brushing Early. When your child’s first tooth comes in, brush it with an infant toothbrush dotted with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Although baby teeth aren’t permanent, they act as place setters for eight to 10 years, so they need care until the permanent teeth break through the gums. By taking care of the baby teeth, you’ll prevent decay and infections in your child’s mouth.
Teach Them to Brush. As soon as they are able — between ages 2 and 6 — let your child brush their own teeth. At that age, they will require your supervision, however. Watch them brush and show them how to do it properly. Replace their brush every three to four months, and let them pick out a brush with their favorite cartoon character to make brushing more fun. With so many fluoride toothpastes on the market today, your child can select one that tastes best to them.
Get Them to Floss Daily. When two teeth touch, it’s time to teach your child how to floss. Flossing clears away bacteria between teeth that brushing misses.
Watch The Sweets! Children love their sweets! But fruit snacks, sticky candies, and sweet drinks coat the teeth with bacteria-causing sugar. Try to limit their consumption of sugar. Offer them flavorful cheese and yogurt that also contain calcium for strong teeth and bones. A better option is to give them water instead of sugary snacks, as water can whisk away sugar and other food particles that cause decay.
Visit the Dentist Regularly. Twice yearly checkups prevent decay and treat any dental problems at their earliest stages. It’s natural for children (and adults) to be hesitant to visit the dentist. Tell your child not to be afraid of the dentist and that the dentist is only there to help them. The more your child sees the dentist, the more comfortable they will be when it comes to talking about dental health.
Time for Junior to See the Dentist!
It’s never too early to start your child’s oral care routine! Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Colorado Springs location today. Our highly trained dentists can check your child’s teeth and check for cavities.
Don’t live near our Colorado Springs office? Find one of our other locations near you.
Colorado Springs
8610 Explorer Drive #315
Colorado Springs, CO 80920