June is Oral Health Month – Establishing a lifelong habit will keep you smiling!
By Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, General Dentist at Health Partnership Clinic
Establishing healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing a dentist twice a year can make a big difference to the health of your family. It is particularly important to develop these healthy habits with infants and children. This month is Oral Health Month, and the theme is Share More Time, Share More Smiles. To celebrate, print off the coloring sheet and how to brush tip sheet and share with your children.
Why is it important for children to get a regular dental checkup?
Teeth help us with so many different things. They help us chew our food so it’s easier to digest, make it possible for us to form words so we can communicate, and they help shape our faces. While you may think that dental health is only important for older children and adults, this is not the case. The truth is, even the youngest infants benefit from proper dental care.
Why is early dental health important?
Paying close attention to your baby’s dental health will help them grow strong, healthy teeth and set them up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Not caring for your child’s mouth can lead to several problems including tooth decay, gum disease, inflammation and pain that can create other health issues. In fact, the earlier you begin a dental hygiene routine for your baby, the healthier their teeth and gums will be throughout their lives.
When should children get their first dental checkup?
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that every child should visit a dentist by age one–or as soon as the first tooth appears. This “well baby visit” teaches parents and caregivers how to care for their children’s teeth and help them remain cavity-free.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 40 percent of children have decay by the time they reach kindergarten.
At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), our dental staff can help educate parents or caregivers to help prevent cavities. We educate parents about why falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice is not recommended (why this causes decay); the importance of encouraging children to drink milk, water and juice from a cup as they approach their first birthday; and how to brush young teeth.
Our goal is to prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain, trouble concentrating and other medical issues. Also, young children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence. Happy Oral Health Month from HPC’s Dental Team!
To schedule a dental appointment for your child, call 913-648-2266.
