February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Did you know that 42% of children ages 2 to 11 have at least one untreated cavity? Tooth decay is one of the leading chronic health issues among children, and it can lead to much more serious issues than simple cavities. So, in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of oral healthcare for kids, your children’s dentist has put together some tips you can use at home for healthy smiles year-round.
The Importance of Oral Health for Children
Cavities don’t just affect your child’s smile, but they can affect their social, educational, and emotional development. In fact, kids miss around 51 million hours of school each year due to dental-related issues. What’s even more shocking is that children with pain in their mouth are 4 times more likely to have lower GPA than those without. Mouth pain also causes trouble chewing, which can affect their diet as well as social and emotional issues from self-consciousness.
How to Keep Your Children Smiling
Thankfully, these issues can be completely avoided using these helpful tips from your dentist:
Make Brushing Fun
It’s no secret that children don’t like brushing, which is why it’s your job to make it fun! Turn on their favorite song and turn the bathroom into a dance party. This is also a great way to ensure that they’re brushing their teeth for the full 2 minutes recommended.
Avoid Sugary Snacks
It’s proven that the more sugar your child consumes, the more likely they are to get cavities. That’s why one of the best ways to protect your son or daughter’s smile is to keep them away from sugary candy and treats. You can try giving them sugar-free gum and substitutes like xylitol to give them their sweets.
Drink More Water
Water washes away cavity-causing plaque and food debris. Plus, most tap water is fluoridated, which protects your teeth from decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen your enamel.
Schedule Dental Visits
Last but not least, schedule visits for your children with a great dentist. These visits prevent and detect dental issues that occur, which is why they’re necessary every 6 months. Additionally, positive experiences with the dentist early on in their lives will familiarize them with dental care and its importance.
Are you ready to help your children have the healthiest smile possible? Use these tips during National Children’s Dental Health Month and beyond to set them up for oral and overall health success down the road.
About the Practice
At Pearl Dental Associates, we have a team of dentists who take pride in their ability to treat patients of all ages in Scituate. They understand the importance of children’s dental health, which is why they want to bring awareness to the issues poor oral healthcare can cause in their community. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (781) 545-9244.