February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and as a leading San Antonio dental office, it’s our mission to give everyone in your family great teeth.
We dental professionals understand that great dental habits start early in a person’s life. You can do this through great at-home oral hygiene or regular cleanings and exams. We have a number of ways to help you maintain a healthy mouth. We are focused on preventive care, but we’re also here to restore damaged teeth.
If you’re a parent like much of our staff, you want the best for your children. We’ve found that children who are comfortable with a dentist at a young age grow up to be better dental patients. Even though the U.S. is a world leader in medical services, we can sometimes lag behind when it comes to dental care.
Facts About Your Child’s Teeth
- Tooth decay is the number one chronic disease in children.
- More than 50 percent of children in America will suffer from tooth decay before they are 5 years old.
- Fewer than 75 percent of children in America brush twice every day.
- Children make up 20 percent of the American population, and they have 80 percent of the cavities in America.
- Not all children visit the dentist. Just 80 percent of American children visit a dentist regularly.
- Every year, children in the United States miss about 51 million hours of class instruction because of dental. Mom and dad, that means you’ll need to miss time off work, too!
These are just a few facts about your children’s dentistry. Today, we also want to provide a few tips about how your children can maintain great oral health. As you read above, great dental care should start as soon as the first tooth appears. Here are 3 dental tips you can start today!
# 1. Make your children’s dental care fun. We recommend that everyone brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. Of course, getting a child to do this can be a big challenge. There are digital apps available that help your children brush every area of the mouth. There are also toothbrushes with timers or toothbrushes that play fun songs to remind your child how long to brush. You can brush your teeth with your child to show them what great oral health looks like!
#2. Try dental sealants or fluoride treatments. Around the country, much of our drinking water is fluoridated. Fluoride is a natural mineral that reduces the risk of cavities. In many cases, fluoride can even repair small cavities. Many dental offices provide fluoride treatments after regular cleanings and exams, especially for children. Dental sealants are another great preventive tool. A sealant covers the tooth — usually the molars — to protect it from harmful acids and bacteria.
#3. Get them to the dentist early. We dentists recommend that you bring your child to the dentist when the first tooth appears or before the age of 1. Studies show that children who visited the dentist after the 2nd or 3rd birthday are more likely to have restorative and emergency visits. When your child is young, the first few visits are strictly examination. We’ll examine how the teeth, gums, and jaws are developing. When more teeth begin to appear, we’ll begin light cleanings.
As you read above, studies suggest that children who visit the dentist early in their lives have better dental health. They also are less likely to struggle with a fear of the dentist. When we expose children to great dental habits, they may never have to worry about painful dental problems or serious oral reconstruction.
Don’t risk your child’s dental health. We’re here to help the entire family. Call our San Antonio dental office today at 210-951-4444.
