Alpine Dental of Rockwall celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month this February by providing parents with vital information on best caring for their children’s oral health. As part of their commitment to the community, Dr. Anish Reddy and his team are presenting at Nebbie Williams Elementary School, Howard Dobbs Elementary School, and Billie Stevenson Elementary, conducting educational presentations with interactive games, and providing free take-home whitening kits to the teachers.
Here are 7 important points Alpine Dental of Rockwall wishes to share with all parents:
- Dental hygiene begins with the first tooth. Initiate dental hygiene practices as soon as a child’s first tooth emerges, usually around 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using a wet washcloth to wipe down the tooth every evening and introducing a toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of toothpaste as more teeth come in. After age three, parents can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount.
- Schedule a child’s first appointment by their first birthday. Early dental visits enable early observation of dental health and can prevent problems while helping a child become comfortable in a dental setting from a young age.
- A child’s dental health affects academic success. Tooth pain, missed school for dental appointments, and infections can negatively impact academic performance. Prioritizing dental health and keeping up with dental check-ups can set the stage for academic success.
- First molars shape a child’s jaw. First molars, erupting around age 6, significantly influence jaw shape. Alpine Dental of Rockwall recommends keeping these molars clean and using dental sealants to prevent cavities, as they are crucial for chewing for the rest of a child’s life.
- Supervise brushing and flossing until age 8. Monitor brushing and flossing until ages 7-8, ensuring thorough cleaning, especially of molars, to promote independence and confidence in oral hygiene habits.
- Aim for less than 25 grams of added sugar daily. Substitute sugary snacks with fruits, vegetables, cheese, and snacks with less added sugar. Limit juice consumption to 30 minutes, as continuous sipping throughout the day can lead to cavities. Opt for water or milk as healthier alternatives.
- Watch for mouth breathing and thumb-sucking. Address mouth breathing and thumb-sucking past age 4, as they can lead to various issues including bad breath, low oxygen levels, behavioral problems, and facial deformities. Prolonged thumb-sucking may also indicate breathing problems and the need for orthodontic intervention.
Alpine Dental of Rockwall encourages families to prioritize dental health by scheduling their child’s next dental appointment today. In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, families can enjoy 50% OFF sealants for the entire month of February. Let’s empower children with the guidance to care for their oral health for optimal performance in school and beyond!
To make an appointment with Dr. Reddy at Alpine Dental, please call (469) 757-5075.
