Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) to raise awareness about the importance of good dental health especially in children. Dental professionals like your Century City cosmetic dentist are joining the call to promote good oral health in children all month long. The NCDHM slogan is “Defeat Monster Mouth.”   Developing good dental habits at an early age is particularly important given that the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate high levels of tooth decay in young people. Specifically, nearly 20 percent of children age 2 to 5 and nearly 23 percent of children age 6 to 19 have untreated cavities.   Regardless of the age of your children, this is a great time to encourage them to take better care of their teeth and gums.

Good Oral Health Starts in Youth  

“Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life,” according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Specifically, good dental health comes from teaching children the importance of brushing, flossing, and regularly visiting their Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.   However, parents can take additional steps to promote a healthy smile and reduce the risk of cavities in their children by:

• Keeping infant’s gums and teeth clean by wiping them with a soft, clean cloth
• Looking for any stains or spots on teeth that may indicate tooth decay
• Not putting babies to bed with a bottle
• Taking youngsters to the dentist by the age of one or when teeth first appear
• Providing healthy foods
• Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush by the age of two
• Arranging regular dental checkups for them

Good oral health starts early. Teach children how to care for their teeth and gums as well as why it is important.

Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month

While many adults will celebrate Valentine’s Day this month by digging into a box of gooey, chocolate sweetness, parents may want to take time to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month with their children.   Demonstrate to your child how to care for their teeth and gums. Brush your and your child’s teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Discuss good oral health and ways your child can maintain healthy teeth and gums. Make dental care fun by introducing books about teeth, oral health, the tooth fairy, and visiting the dentist or by playing two minutes of music so they stay focused while brushing.   Find whatever works to help your children maintain good oral health. For more information about helping your child develop great dental habits, talk to your Century City cosmetic dentist.