February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Valley Pediatric Dentistry is celebrating by raising awareness and asking parents and caregivers to fight the leading chronic infectious disease among children in the U.S.: tooth decay.

STEPS TO PEDIATRIC DENTAL HEALTH

Follow these steps to kickstart Children’s Dental Health Month and fight tooth decay:

1. Establish a dental home—or home base—for your child’s oral health. The team of dentists at Valley Pediatric Dentistry recommends a children’s first visit be at the eruption of the first baby tooth, but no later than age 1.
2. Begin early habits at infancy by rubbing the gums with a washcloth after feeding. Never send a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or formula.
3. Use a soft bristle, age-appropriate toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears. Gently but thoroughly brush the teeth. Make it fun and positive so it doesn’t become a dreaded task but an exciting part of routine.
4. Explain step by step what you are doing and why. Use kid-friendly terms to describe teeth, tooth decay, and the tools used in a dental office. There are many books on the market about a first visit to the dentist. We love Sugarbug Doug: All about Cavities, Plaque, and Teeth by Ben Magleby.
5. Visit www.valleypediatricdentistry.com for information on preventive measures, dental problems, office visits, and a two-minute tooth brushing timer.

Early Childhood Caries is a rapid form of tooth decay and is also the most common chronic childhood disease. According to the CDC, about 1 of 5 (20%) children ages 2 to 5 have decay in baby teeth, and 46% percent of children ages 2-19 years have untreated or restored dental caries in one or more primary or permanent teeth. Tooth decay can lead to distraction in school, poor performance in sports, and can have behavioral impacts. 

HEALTHY STEPS FOR CAVITY PREVENTION

Take these steps for the prevention of cavities:

1. Fluoride is beneficial both systemically and topically. Our team recommends a fluoride supplement until age 11 and fluoride toothpaste once the child is able to spit while brushing their teeth.
2. Dental sealants apply a protective coating that seals the occlusal or chewing surface of the tooth.
3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Limit starchy foods, sticky foods and sugary drinks.
4. Limit grazing and frequent snacking. Schedule snack times for your child in the morning and afternoon, and limit your child’s access to snacks in the kitchen. Have healthy snack alternatives readily available to your children (fresh fruit and veggies).
5. Rinse the mouth after taking medication, especially inhalers. You should also swish some water around your mouth after eating if you do not have a toothbrush handy.   
6. Brush twice a day, and floss at least once a day! 

If you would like to bring your child for a tour ahead of their first dental visit so they can meet the team, this is a good way to let them see that the dentist isn’t a scary place. We always welcome little visitors to the practice. Give us a call, at 845-226-8577, to schedule your visit.