National Dental Health Month 2023: Brush, Floss, Smile
Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children? It impacts more kids than asthma. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Helping your children maintain a healthy smile takes some extra work and vigilance, especially when they are still very young and may not be able to brush on their own. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), so there is no better time than now to learn more about oral care for your children from a Dentistry of the Carolinas dentist.
Each year American children miss 51 million school hours because of oral health problems1. That’s incredibly too much, especially when tooth decay is nearly 100% preventable. Sadly, tooth decay remains the most chronic disease of children ages 6-112. Studies report children with tooth pain are reported to be four times more likely to have a lower grade point average.
But there is hope. Tooth decay can be reduced by nearly 80% in molars with the use of dental sealants. Sealants are a thin, clear protective coating applied to the teeth by a dental professional. Sealants are key in reducing and preventing cavities in children. In addition to visiting a dentist twice annually, parents can follow these Healthy Smile Tips.
- Have your child brush their teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Be sure they clean between their teeth daily by flossing
- Eating healthy foods and limiting sugary beverages in another good tip
Practice good oral hygiene habits at home with your children and set great examples by following the above tips yourself.
If your child hasn’t yet visited a dentist, February is a great month to schedule their first wellness checkup. Contact DOC and get them scheduled today.
- “National Children’s Dental Health Month.” NEA, 2019. Retrieved from www.nea.org/grants/National-Childrens-Dental-Health-Month.html
- “Hygiene-Related Diseases | Hygiene-Related Diseases | Hygiene | Healthy Water | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/dental_caries.html
