The 2024 theme for National Children’s Dental Health Month is “Healthy Habits for Health Smiles”. This is a national initiative that raises awareness about the importance of dental health for all children. Here are 3 habits your family can focus on to help put your children in the path of good oral health.
1 . Daily toothbrushing. An adult should help a child brush their teeth at least once a day. Around age 7, or when they can write in cursive clearly, children should have the dexterity to brush on their own. Remember to have them reach their teeth, gums and tongue with the brush. Flossing between any teeth that touch is also important to keep teeth clean.
2. Drink water. The average American consumes around 50 gallons of sugary beverages a year! Water helps keep your mouth hydrated and helps wash off food and decay-producing acid. The average American consumes around 50 gallons of sugary beverages a year! Non-water drink consumption should be limited to meal time which helps decrease their cavity causing effects.
3. Limit snacking. How often you eat and what you eat have a direct effect on your risk for getting cavities. High sugar (cookies, candy) or starchy processed snacks (crackers, pretzels, chips) tend to be the most requested by kids but can also quickly cause cavities. Limiting the frequency of these types of snacks is important.
Showing our children the importance of good oral health can help set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Regular dental check ups are recommended as early as age 1. If you are looking for a dental home for your children, we are accepting new patients at Tiny Texans Pediatric Dentistry. Please call 512-646-4500 or email info@tinytexansteeth.com for more information. For more dental tips, check us out at www.tinytexansteeth.com.