Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.
Children should see a dentist every six months because developing good oral health habits early on will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Children are susceptible to developing cavities if their brushing and flossing routine is not established at a young age. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease! It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in 5- to 17-year-olds.
The good news is, the risk of decay can be reduced by nearly 80% in molars with the application of dental sealants. Sealants are a clear, thin protective coating applied to the teeth. Sealants are key in reducing and preventing cavities. The reduction of risk for cavities is especially important when it comes to your child’s dental health. According to a report issued by the Center for Disease Control, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”
There are other cavity-preventing tips and treatments for children that you can learn about from your dentist. For example, fluoride treatments and regular cleanings to remove plaque and dangerous bacteria left behind by normal brushing, can help reduce decay.
Visit the ADA Website for some great resources like tooth brushing charts, coloring activities, and more to help teach children the importance of a healthy smile.
Don’t forget visit the dentist 2 times per year for routine preventative visits as part of your family’s oral health care routine. Need to schedule? Contact us today by phone (360)698 3242.
We look forward to seeing those smiles shine!