Brush. Floss. Smile!

 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), “this month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls tooth decay the most common chronic disease of childhood:

“Dental caries, or tooth decay, is a common chronic disease that can cause pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life throughout one’s lifespan. Left untreated, tooth decay can progress and lead to infection, tooth loss, and more complex and expensive treatments. Untreated tooth decay can affect essential aspects of daily living, including eating, speaking, and performing at home, school, or work. Children with poor oral health miss more school and receive lower grades than those with better oral health, while adults lose more school or work hours for urgent, unplanned dental visits.

 

The CDC addresses the economic disparities that increase the risk of this chronic disease in some children more than others:

More than 1 in 5 children aged 2 to 5 years has at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Children from low-income families are more than twice as likely to have untreated cavities, compared with children from higher-income households.

 

The good news is that cavities are preventable using these six “P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom”.

Protect tiny teeth by caring for your mouth when you’re pregnant. Your child’s future oral health starts with you.

Ensure to wipe your baby’s gums after each meal.

Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle.

Remember to brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. For children younger than 2 years, consult with your dentist or doctor about when to start using fluoride toothpaste.

Limit drinks and food with added sugars for children. Encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables and have fewer fruit drinks, cookies, and candies. This gives your child the best possible start to good oral health.

Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or after their first tooth appears. Their tiny teeth matter!

 

We’ll gather some more helpful tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics during National Children’s Dental Health Month tomorrow on The PediaBlog.

 

source https://www.thepediablog.com/2023/02/08/brush-floss-smile/