February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month
When you’re the parent or guardian of a young child, you fill your day with small practices to keep your children safe. You buckle their seatbelt, encourage them to wear a helmet, and teach them how to look both ways before crossing the street. However, at the end of the day, you may be too exhausted to negotiate any longer, and making sure that your children routinely brush their teeth and floss may fall by the wayside.
While occasional lapses in dental hygiene routines happen, making sure that your child has proper dental health is a critical part of their overall wellness. In honor of February’s status as National Children’s Dental Health Month, here’s what you need to know about how to make dental health a priority in your household.
The Importance of Children’s Dental Health
When it comes to chronic diseases of childhood, problems with the teeth are near the top. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that about 20 percent of children ages 5 to 11 years old have untreated tooth decay. When children have cavities, they can experience pain, and they are also vulnerable to infections. Researchers have even shown that children with cavities and poor oral health tend to miss more school days and get lower grades when compared to children with better oral health.
A child’s risk of developing cavities is increased when they have family members with cavities, when they eat or drink foods with added sugar, when they have special needs, or when they have orthodontia. Luckily, you can take steps to help them overcome these risk factors.
Creating Healthy Dental Habits in Children from Birth
Creating an environment for your child that emphasizes dental health starts early on—even in pregnancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that pregnant women should see a dentist before they deliver, as they are more vulnerable to gum disease and cavities, and the bacteria that cause these conditions can be passed along to their newborn baby.
Once a baby is born, you should keep their teeth in mind even before you can visualize them popping through the gum line. Experts recommend wiping the gums of an infant twice daily to help protect the teeth that are hiding just beneath the gums. Once your child’s first tooth comes in (usually around 6 months), you should start brushing the tooth twice daily with a small smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice). Make sure not to put babies to bed with a bottle, as this can increase their risk of developing cavities.
Getting your child in for routine exams should start by their first birthday, and continue every six months. Ask your child’s dentist about the type of toothpaste you should be using—generally, every child should use fluoride toothpaste by age 2. It’s also a good idea to ask your pediatric dental team about dental sealants, which can significantly reduce the likelihood that your child will get a cavity.
Best Cleaning Practices for Children
Cavities are common in childhood—however, they are also highly preventable. The first thing you can do to keep your child’s teeth clean is to keep track of what they are eating and drinking. This means avoiding sugary foods and making sure that they get a good amount of daily calcium, to help the teeth grow strong. Drinking tap water can also help ensure that they are receiving fluoride, as community tap water has added fluoride, which can strengthen the tooth enamel.
When it comes to the best cleaning practices for children, there are a few main concepts:
- Brush the teeth twice daily to help keep sugars, and the bacteria that eat sugars, at bay.
- Use a soft-bristle brush.
- Brush for two minutes each time, making sure to reach all four quadrants of the mouth.
- Supervise children’s brushing until they are at least age 6.
The saying may be old, but it is as true as it ever was: “Only floss the teeth you want to keep.” Ask your dentist about when it is appropriate to start flossing your child’s teeth, as this can help remove the plaque that builds up in tight spaces and can contribute to cavities and gum disease.
Where to Find More Resources About Children’s Dental Health
Children’s dental health matters. For more resources about National Children’s Dental Health Month, check out the American Dental Association’s resource website.
Research and materials for this article were compiled, written, and distributed on behalf of the National Public Health Information Coalition. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the various authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the National Public Health Information Coalition or its members.
References:
[1] Children’s Oral Health Overview. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
[2] MMWR Vital Signs: Dental Sealant Use and Untreated Tooth Decay Among U.S. School-Aged Children. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6541e1.htm?s_cid=mm6541e1_w
[3] Give Your Baby the Best Possible Start. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Protect-Tiny-Teeth.aspx
[4] Children’s Dental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/features/childrens-dental-health.html
[5] Healthy Habits. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits
[6] February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month#:~:text=Each%20February%2C%20the%20American%20Dental,in%20communities%20across%20the%20country.