National Children’s Dental Health Month – Preventing Tooth Decay
The American Dental Association (ADA) first coined the month of February as National Children’s Dental Health Month in 1949. However, eight years earlier this observance started as a one-day event.
Dentists back then understood the importance of children adopting a healthy oral hygiene routine at an early age to promote beautiful and healthy smiles throughout their lives, just as dentists of the present believe now. Bluff Creek Dental shares this desire to promote children’s dental health, so we work hard to educate our patients about the benefits of pediatric dentistry and ways to prevent tooth decay.
Tooth decay is one of the most common conditions we see in young patients at our Minneapolis family dentistry. According to research, in 2015 tooth decay in American children was the most chronic disease. Additionally, 42% of children ages 2 – 11 suffer with tooth decay, and 23% of them have not been treated.
Healthy Choices to Prevent Tooth Decay
It’s no secret that children love sugary drinks, snacks, and foods. Sugar mixed with already present bacteria in the mouth can activate acid that then attacks the teeth causing tooth decay. Regularly brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help prevent the presence of bacteria in your children’s mouths.
Along with minimizing your children’s intake of sugar, make sure they are receiving the proper nutrients by preparing foods that represent all five major food groups:
- Vegetables
- Grain
- Dairy
- Protein
- Fruit
Having a balanced diet, full of these healthy foods, will help build-up your children’s immune system and attack infections such as periodontal disease, which is a major contributing factor for teeth loss in adults.
Schedule A Children’s Dentistry Appointment at Bluff Creek Dental Today
Our friendly children’s dentists and dental team have years of experience working with children and families to develop healthy, beautiful smiles. Feel free to give us a call or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!