February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and to celebrate, all of us here at McKinley Crossing Dental want to share with you the most important things to know about pediatric oral health. Even some of the most informed parents may find themselves surprised to learn things they didn’t know!
Start Early
Some parents know that you need to take your child to the dentist when their first tooth erupts, but did you know it’s useful to keep your child’s mouth clean even before this happens? Keep your baby’s mouth clean and free of harmful bacteria by wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth until their first birthday.
Tooth Decay in Children is Very Prevalent
Did you know that 42% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have dental cavities in their primary teeth? Part of why the ADA established National Children’s Dental Health Month was to bring awareness to a chronic – and largely preventable – children’s health issue. Some parents may think that dental cavities in primary teeth are nothing to worry about since baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent adult teeth. However, the development and health of primary teeth does have a significant impact on the health and development of adult teeth.
Dental Issues Affect School Performance
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research found that 51 million school hours are lost yearly due to oral health issues in children. This can be caused by pain or dental disorders that interrupt learning, speaking, and eating.
Prevention is Key
We like to think of taking care of your children’s oral health by the rule of 2-2-2. The first 2 is: Take your children to the dentist at least twice a year. The second 2 is: Children need to brush their teeth at least twice a day (and don’t forget to floss!). The third 2 is: Kids need to spend at least two minutes a day brushing their teeth.
Is it time to schedule your child’s next dental appointment? Call our friendly staff at McKinley Crossing Dental today or make your appointment online!
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