Blog
Promoting Good Dental Health for Children
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and we are using this month’s blog to highlight the importance of dental health to a child’s overall health.
When we look at the statistics surrounding children’s dental health, they are quite concerning. The CDC reports that around 1 in 5 children aged 5 - 11 years old have at least one untreated decayed tooth and adolescents aged 12 – 19 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. And the most alarming statistic of all, children aged 5 – 19 from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities, compared to children of higher-income households. However, your child does not have to fall victim to poor dental health. By introducing your child to good oral hygiene practices at a young age, you can combat poor dental health.
As a parent or caregiver, you can start demonstrating good dental hygiene when your child is a baby. It is recommended that you run a clean cloth over your baby’s gums twice a day. This helps keep your babies mouth clean and free of bacteria. Once your baby’s teeth start coming in, you should brush their teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush. You can look at this as the start of your child’s brushing routine that will stick with them as they grow into adults and throughout life. It’s also important to note that your baby’s first visit to the dentist should occur before they turn one.
As your child gets older, they will become more independent. Set times for your child to brush in the morning and before bed. Encourage your child to stick with a routine that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste. It is extremely important that your child is comfortable with checkups at the dentist. It is recommended that your child visits the dentist every six months. However, the dentist may suggest a different schedule depending on the needs of your child.
Make it a priority to find a dentist that you and your child trust. For our dentists, care is more than fixing a problem. It is about educating patients and their parents on the importance of good dental care at home and proper oral hygiene practices. For more information regarding SIHF Healthcare locations that provide dental care for children, please visit the dental care page on our website.