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National Children's Dental Health Month
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- Created on Monday, 30 January 2012 19:29
- Last Updated on Friday, 10 February 2012 21:01
- Published on Monday, 13 February 2012 14:29
- Written by Super User
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One of the best habits you can teach your child is proper dental care – and the earlier the better! The first set of teeth, commonly called baby teeth, is important for helping the jaw grow to its proper shape and size. Baby teeth are necessary for developing good speech habits, maintaining spaces for permanent teeth, and chewing foods. Since baby teeth do so much, they need good care.
For Healthy Smiles follow these dental health guidelines:
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
- Pacifier use should stop by age 12-18 months. Use beyond the age of 3 can cause dental problems as well as speech problems.
- Long term use of sippy cups containing any liquid other than water, can increase chances of tooth decay for your child
- Encourage healthy eating habits. Limit sweet snacks, especially soft drinks. Soft drinks are full of sugar that promotes decay and acid that erodes the teeth. Sugary foods are best served as desserts. Brush teeth after eating foods with sugars.
- Help your child brush his/her teeth after meals and snacks, and especially at bedtime.
- Floss your preschooler's teeth daily, especially the back molars. Preschool children can't floss well for themselves. Flossing removes plaque and debris from the sides of the teeth where the toothbrush does not reach.
- If your child has not already had a dental exam, make an appointment for the first dental checkup. Having a dental checkup before a problem occurs can be a positive first dental experience.
