Children's Dental Health Month

  • Blog Home
  • Dental
  • Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile during Children's Dental Health Month
February 03, 2011
Category: Dental
Tags: Pediatric   Kids  

Children's Dental Health MonthFebruary is National Children's Dental Health Month and Grove Dental is doing its part to promote healthy smiles for kids. Each February, since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults. Each year during the month of February, Grove Dental visits many area preschools and gives presentations on dental health.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, but in most cases it is very preventable. Because children follow the habits and routines they learn during childhood, it becomes very important to instill good dental habits at an early age.

The ADA recommends that parents take action early to insure the health of their children's teeth and gums into adulthood. Here are some ways you can help your children maintain strong, healthy smiles that last a lifetime:

Visit the dentist early. Good dental health habits should begin with an introductory visit to a pediatric dentist around a child's first birthday. Regular oral exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Brush teeth at least twice a day. Regular brushing removes plaque from teeth to help avoid unwanted cavities. For young children, brush with a soft, small toothbrush and use a very small amount of toothpaste. The toothpaste should not be swallowed.
Floss daily. Flossing removes food debris from in between the teeth and along the gum line where a toothbrush can't reach.
Healthy diet. Encourage a well-balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks, which promote decay. Don't put a child to bed with a bottle or allow the child to continually drink from a sippy cup throughout the day. Prolonged exposure to the sugary liquid (even from juices) will promote tooth decay.
Wear a mouthguard. To protect and reduce injuries to the mouth and teeth, children who participate in sports should always wear mouth protection.
Consult a Pediatric Dentist anytime there is a question or area of concern regarding your child's dental health.

Want to give a child a healthy smile? Grove Dental offers gift certificates, valid for any dollar value to be used toward in-office dental treatment at any of our four offices. Children's teeth are intended to last a lifetime, and with proper care, a healthy diet and regular dental visits, children can achieve a lifetime of good oral health.

As a reminder, Illinois law now requires that all children entering K, 2nd or 6th grade have a dental exam. For your convenience, this can be completed at your child's regular dental appointment. If you have a child entering these grades, get your form completed now. Don't wait until the back-to-school rush when it may be difficult to get your preferred appointment time.

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Comments:




Dental Services

Archive:

Tags

Dentist - Downers Grove, Grove Dental Associates, 6800 Main Street, Third Floor, Downers Grove IL, 60516 (630) 969-5350