2020 marks the 75th anniversary of National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is celebrated each February by the American Dental Association. The ADA spends the month of February educating dental professionals, caregivers, and children about the importance of children’s dental health. This year, the ADA’s slogan for Dental Health Month spotlights the benefits of fluoride: “Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap!”
Cavities are the most common childhood dental health issue, and if they go untreated, they could leave your child with chronic pain and infections that may keep them from going to school. The CDC provides dental healthcare tips for both babies and children on their website.
Dental Care for Babies
Dental health starts before a baby even gets his first tooth. Dentists recommend that parents wipe the baby’s gums twice a day: once in the morning after the first feeding, and once before you put them down to bed. Cleaning the baby’s mouth of bacteria is a necessary step to prevent future cavities.
After a baby starts getting his teeth, dentists recommend showing them how to brush twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. You won’t need to begin using toothpaste until they get older.
Visit your dentist before the baby’s first birthday to check the baby’s oral health and detect any possible problems.
Dental care for children
Make sure your children brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If they are younger than six years old, the CDC recommends that you watch them brush to make sure they are doing it correctly and not swallowing the toothpaste.
Opt for tap water over bottled water. The fluoride in tap water remineralizes your teeth and is especially essential for the strength of a child’s developing permanent teeth. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and fights acids and sugars in your mouth.
Contact Babylon Dental Care
During National Children’s Dental Health Month this February, talk to your child about the importance of oral hygiene and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup. The team at Babylon Dental Care/ is ready to provide the best care to your child, whether it be regular cleaning, filling a cavity, or taking x-rays. Call us at (631) 983-2137 to schedule your appointment today.
