Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? During this month of awareness, your family dentist in Marble Falls wants you to know the importance of children’s oral healthcare and what you can do as a parent to help. Positive oral healthcare experiences early on in their life will influence them to take care of their smile in the future. Keep reading to learn some tips on how to keep your children healthy from an expert dentist.
The Importance of Children’s Oral Healthcare
Unfortunately, dental issues can affect your kids in ways besides their oral health. Tooth decay and other dental issues can also hurt your child’s educational, emotional, and social development.
Did you know that each year, 51 million hours of school are missed for dental-related issues? Additionally, kids with mouth pain are 4 times more likely to have a lower GPA than those without. Children with untreated cavities are also more likely to develop social and diet issues because of the pain in their mouth. Cavities are one of the leading chronic health issues among children, which is why National Children’s Dental Health Month brings awareness to this common problem.
How Can I Help My Children Stay Healthy?
Thankfully, these problems are completely preventable using these tips from your dentist in Marble Falls:
Daily Brushing and Flossing
Your kids should brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Because this is often a battle, you can turn on your child’s favorite song to make brushing a dance party. Brush your teeth with them to make sure they’re brushing the full 2 minutes recommended. You should also make sure they’re flossing once a day to remove plaque and food debris from in between their teeth.
Routine Dental Visits
Regular visits with their dentist prevent and detect dental issues while they’re still small to protect them from more serious issues. A good family dentist can make your kids feel comfortable and happy at their practice. The more enjoyable experiences they have with their dentist, the more likely your kids are to attend regular visits on their own.
Mouth-Healthy Foods
Sugar is a leading cause of cavities, which is why you should limit their sugar intake. Try feeding your kids fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products instead of sugary sweets and treats. Sugar interacts with bacteria in their mouths to create acid, which can cause tooth decay.
Drink Water
You should give your children water to drink whenever possible. Most tap water contains fluoride, which is a natural cavity-fighting mineral. It also helps to wash away plaque and bacteria that can live inside of their mouths.
Use these tips to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month and to keep your kids’ smiles healthy year-round. Be sure to contact your family dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Greg Ritchie is a dentist who is experienced in helping patients of all ages. He takes pride in his ability to provide quality care for adults, while also making the dental experience for your little ones as comfortable as possible. He currently practices at Ritchie Dental Group, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (830) 693-8833 for any questions.
