Did you know that February is Children’s Dental Health Month? Oral health is just as important for your child as it is for you, and Dr. Brad Heim and Dr. John Carroll want to share some tips on developing good dental habits for your children in honor of this celebration! Here are some important things to remember to help your child develop good habits and optimum oral health.
Baby Teeth are Important!
Why is it so important to take good care of baby teeth when they’re only going to fall out? This is a great question! Baby teeth have some very important jobs to do such as:
- Helping your child learn to speak
- Holding space for and guiding the adult teeth that will arrive around the age of 6
- Helping your child learn to navigate solid foods
Learning to brush and floss their baby teeth also teaches your child good dental habits they will use in the future.
Choose Healthy Foods and Beverages
The Children’s Dental Health theme for 2017 is “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile,” reminding us that sugary treats and beverages are not good for children’s teeth. Water is also a good choice for their overall health and well being.
Eating more fruits and vegetables actually neutralizes the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay, while also increasing saliva flow to wash away excess debris. When it’s snack time, encourage your child to reach for fruits, veggies, and water to promote good oral health.
Regular Dental Visits
Children should be seeing the dentist every six months just like adults in order to monitor their oral development and screen for any issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Dr. Heim and Dr. Carroll love to see children and strive to provide a fun and upbeat atmosphere so children look forward to their dental visits. Our goal is to build the foundation for successful dental appointments in the future.
Lead By Example
Children look to their parents for guidance, so the best gift you can give your child is a good example of your own oral health. When they see you brushing and flossing your teeth daily, they will want to follow suit. You can also bring your little ones to your own dental appointments so they can acclimate to our office and understand that going to the dentist is not scary.
Contact our Office
Since it’s Children’s Dental Health Month, why not use this reminder to contact our office today and schedule your child’s next appointment?
