February Is Children's Dental Health Month

The month of February is Children's Dental Health Month.  At Forest Lane Dental, the topic of children's dental health is especially important because Dr. Jack E. Burroughs believes that instilling good dental habits in children from a young age can lead to a lifetime of good dental health.

The American Dental Association recommends that children begin visiting the dentist by age one, or when their first tooth comes in.  By establishing the routine of dental visits early, children become accustomed to dental check-ups from a young age, helping them to grow up without fear and anxiety about seeing the dentist.  In addition, kids who grow up going to the dentist regularly receive fun and engaging instruction about how to care for their teeth and gums.  Teaching good dental habits early helps kids grow up without much incidence of tooth decay and other dental problems.

The ADA has great resources online you can use to teach your kids about good dental health.  On the website, you will find games, coloring pages and puzzles that help kids understand why and how to brush and floss regularly.  You can find these great kids dental resources here:  http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx.

Make dental care fun for kids.  These days, there are so many ways to help make personal oral hygiene fun for kids that you don't have to look far to find a way to make brushing and flossing a game.  From toothbrushes that play music inside your head to dental themed Play-Doh sets, it has never been easier to demonstrate the importance of healthy habits to kids.

One of the best things we have found that does not cost a penny involves using a very large lego to demonstrate flossing techniques.  Use a large lego that has at least four pegs and a length of yarn to help kids practice flossing between teeth.  Talk about a healthy diet and the reasons why foods high in sugars and carbohydrates can be bad for teeth.  Teach kids about dental health while they are young, and they will grow up taking good care of their teeth as a second nature.

If your child has not seen a dentist, Children's Dental Health Month is a great time to get started.  Contact the office of Dr. Jack E. Burroughs to schedule a family dental check-up day.