February is National Children's Dental Health Month

National Children's Dental Health Month began as an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Did you know that the primary cause of cavities in children is the presence of bacteria in sugary foods? When these sugars mix with saliva, they form an acid that attacks tooth enamel and causes decay.

Oral Health Tips for Parents

Provide a balanced diet for your children, including fresh fruits and veggies and foods that are low in sugar and starch. Avoid feeding your children sticky foods and drinks – these can easily get stuck in teeth and lead to cavities.

Make regular visits to the dentist a priority for you and your kids. This is very important for young kids who need professional cleanings and checkups every six months.

Help your child brush his or her teeth twice a day – in the morning and at night before bed. Teach them proper brushing techniques and supervise them as they brush their teeth until they are old enough to do it themselves.

Set a good example for your kids by maintaining your own oral health habits. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Eat a healthy diet, limit your sugar intake, and visit your dentist regularly. Your kids will follow your example!

Oral Health Care Tips for Kids

It's never too early to teach your children about the importance of maintaining good oral health habits. Here are a few tips to help them stay on track:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Set a timer for two minutes to make sure your kids brush long enough to remove plaque and bacteria from their teeth. Consider using a toothbrush with a built-in timer to help the kids reach this goal.
• Don't share utensils. Teach your children to practice good mouth hygiene by never sharing eating utensils. Make sure they use their own toothbrush, too.
• Use an ADA-approved toothpaste. Younger children may need help opening the tube of toothpaste. However, they should be able to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrushes when practicing independent brushing.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Schedule a checkup for your child every six months so your children can get to know their dentist and the dental office. These appointments allow your child to have his teeth cleaned while avoiding cavities or other oral health issues.
• Eat a healthy diet. Maintain a balanced diet for your children to prevent tooth decay. Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can adhere to teeth and damage the enamel. Instead, encourage your children to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.
• Establish a good oral hygiene routine early on. The earlier you start teaching your children about proper oral healthcare, the better. As soon as their first teeth start coming in, you can start wiping the teeth with a soft washcloth or gauze after meals and before bed. When you begin flossing around age three, you can help your little ones by holding the floss for them and gently moving it around between their teeth. By the time they are in their teens, they can practice effective daily oral care on their own.

At Amin Taba D.D.S., we provide pediatric dental care in a fun and welcoming environment – perfect for helping children feel comfortable at the dentist's office. We can help teach them about the importance of oral hygiene so that they can have healthy smiles for life!

To learn more about our good oral care practices, visit Amin Taba D.D.S. PLLC at 5701 Northeast Bothell Way Suite 3, Kenmore, WA 98028. Call us at (425) 486-9233 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.