February is National Children's Dental Health Month

It’s that time of year again, and embracing the month of February doesn’t just mean celebrating Valentine’s Day; it’s also National Children’s Dental Health Month! It’s an important time for parents to pay even more attention to their kids’ oral health and hygiene. Staying on top of your child's dental health is necessary to make sure they have healthy teeth and gums for years to come. By participating in this annual event, you can not only help your child learn good dental habits, but also help protect their smiles.

While you’re celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month, here are a few things you can do to make sure your kid’s teeth and gums are healthy:

1. Teach them how to brush and floss correctly. Brush with them for two minutes to make sure they are getting all the surfaces of their teeth cleaned properly. Remind them to gently brush off their tongue as well, as that can trap food particles too.
2. Schedule regular dental check-ups. We encourage bringing children in for check-ups as early as age three – or earlier, if you detect something is going on, such as tongue tie, or blister on their gums. Maintaining regular check-ups can help prevent gum and tooth issues later in life.
3. Eat healthy foods and limit sugary snacks. Keeping healthy snacks around the house is always a great idea, making snacking on “good” foods like carrot sticks and fruits part of their daily routine. Avoid processed foods or sugary snacks.
4. Lead by example and practice good oral hygiene yourself. If the children see you taking care of your teeth and brushing after meals, they will get into that habit as well.

By following these simple tips, you can help your child develop healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime. What’s more, you’ll be setting a good example for them to follow. So, make National Children’s Dental Health Month a time to celebrate your child’s smile and start building a foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

While good oral health is important for children, it's also important for adults. Poor oral health can lead to a number of health problems, including gum disease, heart disease, and stroke. So, make sure you're taking care of your own teeth and gums and set a good example for your children to follow. February may be National Children's Dental Health Month, but good oral hygiene is a year-round commitment.

At DeAnza Family Dentistry in Cupertino, Dr. Craig Mitchell and his staff love seeing kids. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health. As mentioned earlier, getting in the habit of eating properly a well-balanced meal and following that up with good oral hygiene will put you on a pathway to health later on in life.