Children’s Dental Health Month has been a staple in dental and other healthcare providers’ offices since the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsored and nationalized the event back in 1949. This now month-long celebration in February strives to bring awareness to the importance of early and regular dental care for kids. After all, the earlier dental care starts, the more likely it is that kids will have fewer dental problems as adults, and that’s certainly something your dentist in McMinnville can get behind.
Why is Children’s Dental Health Month Important?
Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month is important for everyone who has kids or works with kids for several reasons.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cavities are one of the most common forms of disease in kids. In fact, more than 50% of kids between the ages of 6 and 8 have had at least one cavity. If not caught and treated early, cavities can cause pain, time out of school, and can lead to other, more serious oral health problems. Any signs of decay should require a visit to your dentist in McMinnville.
It’s always a special moment when children lose their first tooth, but only if it happens naturally. Even though baby teeth aren’t permanent, they’re still a very important part of proper childhood development and should remain in place until they’re ready to fall out. Without these baby teeth, it can be difficult for kids to eat and speak properly. Additionally, losing baby teeth too soon can cause issues with the eruption of permanent adult teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all children should experience their first dental visit no later than their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth erupts. These early appointments help establish trust as well as good oral health habits early which can set kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
How Can You Help?
The ADA provides free resources for parents, caregivers, family members, educators, and healthcare professionals to use during National Children’s Dental Health Month or all year around. Some of the resources available include:
Head over the ADA website to download and access these resources.
Whether you’re a parent or not, it’s important for everyone from age 1 to 100 to brush their teeth and floss regularly, as well as see their dentist in McMinnville at least twice a year for checkups.
