February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.  

Do you know what the most common chronic pediatric disease?   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cavities remain the most common chronic disease of children between 6 and 19 years old.  Many dentists recommend their pediatric patients get sealants which can help prevent cavities before they start. 

Help instill a lifetime of good dental hygiene and reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay by following these tips!

• Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
  
• Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them whole foods, such as vegetables or fruit.
• If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless – Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
• Monitor beverage consumption – Children should make healthy beverage choices such water and low-fat milk.
• Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. – Use a timer to help children remember to brush for 2 minutes.
• Schedule regular dental visits.  Everyone should visit the dentist once every 6 months.

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.