Tips for Kids: National Children’s Dental Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.
 

The theme created for the 2016 American Dental Association campaign is “Sugar Wars.”  

Children are faced with a confusing array of food choices, from fresh produce to sugary and processed convenience meals and snacks foods. 

What children are eating today poses not only affects their oral health, also poses serious concerns regarding their overall health.
 
The following are some tips to help reduce a child's risk of tooth decay:

Sugary foods and drinks should only be consumed with meals. This is because saliva production increases while eating and helps neutralize acid production and rinses food particles from the mouth.

Limit snacks between meals. If children crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.  


If your children chew gum, choose sugarless gum with xylitol or recaldent. Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
 

Monitor beverage consumption. Instead of soft drinks, sports drinks or energy drinks, children should drink water or low-fat milk.
 

Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. Parents should assist their children until the ages of 8-10, depending on the child’s ability to brush properly.
 

Schedule regular dental visits.  Children should be seen every 6 months for check-ups to monitor the development of their teeth and for regular teeth cleanings.