February might be known primarily as the month when cupid comes to town. Many also recognize President’s Day during the shortest month of the year. But did you know that February has also been designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time for teaching both parents and kids about the importance of pediatric dental care? Kids are susceptible to cavities and other dental problems, just like adults. So it’s important to teach them from an early age about preventive dentistry, and that is precisely why NCDHM exists.
Consider These Dental Tips for Kids
By helping kids form healthy habits, at an early age, pediatric dentists and parents can help kids enjoy lives full of great dental health. Fortunately, preventive care isn’t complicated.
During NCDHM why not use some of the printable coloring pages the American Dental Association has provided, to help discuss healthy dental habits with your kids. This year’s primary initiative is to get kids to drink more tap water. Water is, of course, essential for one’s overall health, and particularly important to dental health, since it helps rinse teeth clean, and limits plaque’s ability to calcify onto the teeth. Tap water, in particular, can have even better benefits, since it is often fluoridated, to help prevent demineralization.
How Else Can Kids Care for Their Smiles?
Other ways to help get your kids excited about caring for their smiles include taking them to pick their own toothbrushes, toothpastes and floss. This can help give them a sense of ownership over their own smile’s care. Plus, if they pick fun products in flavors they like, they’re more likely to want to brush, and what parent doesn’t want that?
Setting a timer is a simple way to let kids know how long they need to be brushing. Generally, dentists recommend brushing for a full two minutes, twice a day.