February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Dental Association to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Poor oral health can lead to trouble with eating, speaking, learning and socializing – all key aspects of your child’s growth and development.
Maryland’s Healthy Teeth, Healthy Kids program (also available in Spanish) highlights the following steps you can take to care for your child’s mouth, starting even before their pearly whites come in.
- Keep ‘em clean.
- Clean your baby’s gums before teeth come in with a clean, soft cloth after feedings and before bedtime.
- As your baby’s teeth come in, brush them with a child’s toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice each day. Fluoride protects teeth from decay (and can even reverse early stages of the decay process).
- Remember young children need help brushing until they’re old enough to get their teeth clean on their own. Healthy Teeth, Healthy Kids suggests kids need help until age 6 or 8.
- Visit Your Dentist.
- Schedule your child’s first dentist appointment by his or her first birthday, whether teeth have appeared or not.
- Keep up with dental appointments, one every six months.
- No Bottles or Sippy Cups in Bed.
- Don’t leave your little one with a bottle or sippy cup at nap- or bedtime.
- Milk, formula, juice and many other drinks have sugar in them. If sugary liquids stay on your baby’s teeth too long it can lead to painful tooth decay.
- Give Your Child Milk or Water.
- Milk and water are far better beverage choices for your child’s oral health. Sugary drinks like soda, juices with sugar or punch can lead to cavities.
- If you want to give your child 100% juice, limit him or her to four ounces per day and serve it in an open cup (sippy cups can leave more sugar deposited on the teeth).
- Drink tap water if your water is fluoridated.
- Don’t Share Food or Utensils.
- Sharing food or eating utensils can lead to the spread of germs – those that spread illness and those that can cause cavities.
Of course, oral health is important for everyone – not just kids. If you’re pregnant, it’s particularly important for you to take care of your mouth. Check out this brochure from Healthy Teeth, Healthy Kids (PDF) for the steps you can take to ensure your family’s oral health, from pregnancy through childhood. The brochure is also available in Spanish (PDF).