Show Your Child’s Smile Some Love

With pink and red hearts everywhere, it can only mean one thing—Valentine’s Day is here! February is most known for this holiday celebrating love, but did you know that it is also Children’s Dental Health Month? Lifelong dental health needs to start early so that by the time children become adults, oral healthcare is already engrained. In this post, you’ll learn about why dental health matters and how you can show your little one’s smile some love!

How Dental Health Impacts Your Child

If you’ve ever had a bad cavity, you know the pain it can cause. Well, the enamel of baby teeth is even thinner, which means that untreated cavities can quickly lead to this pain. As a result, even small cavities in children can affect how they eat and speak, but perhaps just as important, cavities can influence how they play and learn. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that children with dental issues tend to miss more school and earn lower grades than children with good dental health. By helping your child keep their smile healthy, you can help them have better chances of success and better overall health.

Healthy Habits to Start Now

No matter how young your child may seem, it’s not too early to begin teaching them the importance of a healthy smile. As soon as their first tooth erupts, it’s time to start brushing twice every day. By their first birthday, you can bring your child in for their first dental appointment. By visiting the children’s dentist every six months, you both can keep a close eye on your child’s oral development and find issues before they negatively impact your favorite beautiful smile.

Helpful Products for Children’s Dental Health

Every child needs to have a toothbrush, but you don’t have to settle on a boring one! Let your child choose theirs on their own. With so many characters available, they’re sure to find one that helps them want to brush. There are even electric versions designed just for kids.

Consider downloading some apps, many of which are free, to your phone or tablet that help your child brush for a full two minutes twice a day. Some favorites include Disney Magic Timer, Brush DJ, and Toothsavers Brushing Game.

Even flossing can become fun with a water flosser specifically for kids. Not only can you decorate it, but your child can learn that oral care doesn’t have to be tedious. This kind of product is particularly useful for kids with braces or those who struggle with cavities between teeth.

This February is the perfect time to start fresh and prioritize taking care of your little one’s teeth. You love to see them smile, and by teaching them these skills, you can continue to see that bright, strong smile for many years to come!

About the Author

In her career, Dr. Maggie Davis has achieved what less than 3 percent of dentists in the country have. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Maggie is also a mother of three and enjoys teaching little ones how to maintain their smiles and making dental care fun. To schedule an appointment with her, you can contact our Palm Harbor office through our website.