Let’s welcome National Children’s Dental Health Month. Each February, a number of committed dental health professionals and healthcare educators and providers from across the US join forces in promoting the benefits of proper oral health to all children whatever their ages.
This year, the American Dental Association and the ADA Foundation label the 2016 National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) campaign as “Sugar Wars.”
With the celebration’s campaign slogan playing on the success of the latest Star Wars movie, children and adults alike will attracted to learn more. In the process, awareness on how to maintain good oral health will be promoted.
Tips for healthy children’s teeth
The 2016 campaign poster itself is a source of information that reflects various effective ways to defeat the effects of sugar, something both children and young adults can easily relate to. Suggested techniques include eating healthy snacks, and after eating to maintain a regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing routine.
Oral Healthcare For Infants & Young Children
Even before your baby’s first tooth erupts, proper oral care should already be exercised. Using a clean washcloth, wipe the gums to remove any damaging bacteria. For babies getting their first teeth, use an infant toothbrush with a very minimal amount of fluoride toothpaste, as little as a grain of rice, to inhibit cavity formation.
Once your infant grows several teeth, start flossing in between them at least once a day. Teach them how to spit while brushing and to avoid swallowing toothpaste.
As you kid reaches ages 6, 7, and older, guide them into allowing them to brush their teeth efficiently on their own. It’s okay to let help them if they ask for toothpaste, but encourage them to brush on their own and that it’s done correctly.
Oral Healthcare For Older Kids
Badly decayed teeth that remain untreated can become infected and painful. The damage can also affect permanent teeth that are still under the gums. Here are some ways to prevent childhood dental problem.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Always remind them to brush two times a day, usually after eating breakfast and before bed.
- Floss regularly between grooves and crevices of teeth. Harmful bacteria feed on leftover food bits and cause tooth damage.