February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

By Rashmi Bhatnagar, DMD, MPH

Every year the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors a National Children’s Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.  The goal behind the event is to urge children to develop good dental habits at an early age so that they may get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. 

The ADA encourages parents to promote regulated meals and minimum snacking.  Oral bacteria love an acidic environment.  When eating a meal, the oral acidity increases.  Liquids that accompany the meal and saliva help to wash away the debris and acid.  The acid is neutralized by the saliva.  With frequent snacking, the acid level in the mouth remains high, promoting the presence of bacteria. Therefore, more frequent snacking promotes dental decay.

The ADA also advises parents to take an active role in establishing early habits and a positive attitude towards oral health.  Brushing and flossing twice a day is a simple, but important ritual to remove the bacteria that cause dental decay and gum disease.  Parents are advised to guide their children to brush all surfaces of their teeth in a circular motion for at least two minutes.  Flossing should follow to remove debris from between the teeth.

In addition to brushing, flossing, and regulating meals, the campaign emphasizes an exam and professional cleaning every six months.  The child should see a dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts.  Although this may seem premature, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check up to prevent undiagnosed dental disease and overall health problems. 

The first dental check up is simple but important.  The dentist will examine the tissues and the overall oral health of the child.  During each sixth month check up, the oral developmental stages can be observed and monitored.   With every dental visit, the child will be more comfortable with the dentist and will anticipate the biannual cleanings.  The earlier the prevention begins, the more likely the child will maintain a healthy smile.  For any questions or concerns, Dr. Rashmi (Rush) Bhatnagar, DMD, MPH may be contact at 480-598-5900 or visit www.BellaVistaDentalCare.com.