February is Dental Health Month Published Feb. 21, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Blochowiak 507th Air Refueling Wing Medical Squadron, Dental Unit TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. It is very important for a parent to teach their children, at an early age, to develop good dental hygiene habits. Also, parents should schedule regular dental visits for their children. This will help the children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. How do you care for your child's teeth? Good dental hygiene habits should start before you even see the first sign of teeth coming in. Wiping your baby's gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings is very effective in preventing the buildup of bacteria. Once the teeth start to come in, start using a soft children's toothbrush twice a day. Once your child is preschool-age, start using fluoride toothpaste. Don't cover the brush with toothpaste; a peasized amount is just right. Young children will have a tendency to swallow most of the toothpaste, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause permanent stains on their teeth. Is it OK to use fluoride tablets? Fluoride will strengthen the teeth by hardening the tooth enamel. Many cities add fluoride to tap water. If you live in an area where the tap water doesn't contain fluoride, your doctor may prescribe daily fluoride tablets when your child is about six months old. Fluoride is an important part of your child's dental health. It is important to never give him or her more than what the prescription advises. If you miss a dose, never give your child extra fluoride to make up. Just as with swallowed toothpaste, too much oral fluoride can cause stains on your child's teeth. What are cavities? Cavities are holes formed in the teeth when bacteria in the mouth use the sugar in food to make acid. This acid eats away at the enamel. Cavities are one of the most common diseases in children. Good preventive teeth care can keep cavities from happening in your child. Is my child at risk for cavities? Your child might be at a higher risk for cavities if he or she eats a lot of sugary foods. These foods consist of items such as raisins, cookies, and candy or drinks such as fruit juice, punch and soda. Your child also might be at risk if he or she has any of the following risk factors: was born prematurely or had a low birth weight, has ongoing special health care needs, has white spots or brown areas on any teeth or does not go to the dentist very often. What can you do to help stop cavities? Everyone in your family should take good care of their teeth. Family members with a high risk to cavities can pass the cavity causing bacteria to their babies and children. Does diet affect my child's teeth? Children and adults alike should avoid sweets, sticky foods and between-meal snacks. To avoid cavities, limit sweet snacks and drinks between meals. Have meals and snacks at regular times. Healthy snacks with less sugar include fresh fruits and vegetables, and cheese and crackers. Baby bottles can create additional problems with your child's dental health. When certain liquids from a bottle, such as milk and juice, stays in contact with the teeth for a long time, the sugars can cause tooth decay. This causes a condition called baby bottle caries. Your baby's teeth can develop cavities and become pitted or discolored. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle, unless it contains plain water. When should I start taking my child to the dentist? Most dentists will recommend that parents should take their child to a dentist around his or her first birthday. This gives the dentist a chance to detect early problems with your child's teeth. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children's dental health. You and your child's dentist should review important information about diet, bottles, tooth brushing and fluoride use. Visiting the dentist from a young age will help your child become comfortable with his or her dentist. It also establishes the good habit of regular dental check-ups.