Press Release

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National Children’s Dental Health Month

The Union County Health Department joins the American Dental Association in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month. A top priority for parents is helping their children develop good oral health habits. Starting dental visits at an early age can help your child enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The American Dental Association makes the following recommendations for parents with young children.
• At birth your baby already has 20 primary teeth but you can’t see them. Wiping baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feeding will remove the plaque and bacteria that can harm erupting teeth. Usually the first four teeth begin to appear when the baby is between six months and one year.
• The ADA recommends parents take children to the dentist by the child’s first birthday. In addition to checking for decay and other possible problems, the dentist will teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth daily, evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb sucking and identify your child’s fluoride needs.
• Supervise tooth brushing to make sure children over age two use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and avoid swallowing the toothpaste. Most children will be able to brush on their own by age six or seven.
• Parents should begin using floss or an interdental cleaner on their children’s teeth as soon as any two teeth touch.
• As permanent teeth come in, talk to your dentist about having dental sealants applied to protect teeth from decay. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting teeth from bacteria and the acid that attacks the enamel.

It is important for parents to take an active role in their child’s oral health care. Set a good example for your children by properly taking care of your teeth and be positive about dental visits. Children should know that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will help take care of their teeth. Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical for helping your child maintain good oral health throughout life. For more information on children’s oral health, contact the American Dental Association at 312/440-2806 or talk with your family dentist.