Friday, February 10, 2006
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.
The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children's Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children's Dental Health Month.
Since 1941, the observance has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program. NCDHM messages reach millions of people in communities across the country and at numerous armed service bases abroad. Local observances often include poster, coloring, and essay contests, health fairs, free dental screenings, museum exhibits, classroom presentations and dental office tours. This year's slogan is "A Healthy Smile is Something to Cheer!!" Download coloring and activity sheets below.
Some online resources for you to check out...
- Fun activity sheets to download.
- Classroom resources, games, and more.
- Lots of games & activities at Colgate’s Kids’ World.
- Fun information at Oral-B KidsKeeping Your Child’s Healthy Smile
On the more serious side of dental health...
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta , Georgia reports that "dental decay is one of the most chronic infectious diseases among U.S. children."
The CDC recommends four basic steps for healthy teeth:
1. Start cleaning teeth early.
2. Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste.
3. Supervise brushing.
4. Talk to your child's doctor or dentist.
Dental care can begin before you see your baby's first tooth and starting early will help your child accept the daily routine of dental care. Remember, just because you don't see the tooth doesn't mean it's not there. Tooth growth begins around the first trimester of pregnancy.
An important first step in preventing tooth decay is not allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle. In addition, it is not recommended to prop bottles in your baby's mouth. This allows the sugar-based liquid to pool in the mouth around the baby's gums. The sugars eat away at the tooth enamel, creating pitted or discolored teeth and causing “bottlemouth”. Wiping your baby's gums gently with a damp, soft cloth will help prevent the buildup of damaging bacteria.
The first tooth is often a day for celebration. Let it also signal the day you begin brushing your child's teeth. You've been routinely wiping your child's gums, so changing to a toothbrush should be easy for your baby.
- Switch to a small, soft toothbrush for this daily routine.
- The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you start using fluoride toothpaste around the age of 2-3. Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel, making it tough for bacteria to break through this protective barrier.
- Teach your child not to swallow the toothpaste. They should spit it out and rinse well after brushing.
- Limit the amount of toothpaste to the size of a pea. Under the age of 6, too much fluoride may cause permanent stains on teeth.
You can expect your child to be eager to “do it myself.” When the child is able to control the toothbrush and uses a small amount of toothpaste, you can guide their tooth brushing. It is important that you closely watch their method. Be sure their job is thorough and that they use a small amount of toothpaste and rinse completely at least twice a day.
The ADA recommends that parents take their child to the dentist around the age of one. Establish a friendly relationship for routine dental check-ups so your child becomes comfortable with the dentist. This will make future tooth care problems easier to handle.
Oral health and physical health affect each other. How children learn to take care of their teeth affects their health as adults. Developing effective oral hygiene practices from infancy helps to establish good oral habits for a lifetime. Leading children to bright, healthy smiles begins with your knowledge and the time you spend teaching your children how to take care of their teeth.
