You only need to watch TV or observe the billboards passing by on the highway to see how sugary candies, sodas, and other dental health hazards are aggressively marketed to children. Unfortunately, these sweet treats can cause long-term damage to your child’s smile if you’re not careful. Luckily, February is Children’s Dental Health Month, making it a great time to educate your child on the importance of a good diet and proper oral hygiene! Here are a few tips to help your child get their oral care up to par this month.
Cavities are infections that will only get worse if left untreated, eventually leading to tooth loss, tooth decay spreading to other teeth, and dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. This can also cause problems for children when they are eating, speaking, learning, or playing, and children with poor oral health often receive lower grades than those with healthy mouths.
Tooth decay is the chronic disease most commonly found in American children. More than half of children between the ages of six and eight have had tooth decay in at least one baby tooth, and more than half of those between twelve and nineteen have suffered a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. Children from families with lower incomes are more than twice as likely to have cavities than those from households with higher incomes.
Luckily, the best way to protect your child’s teeth is to have them stick to an excellent daily oral hygiene routine while seeing their dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings. It’s best to start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they start coming in and to start flossing as soon as they have two teeth next to one another. One of the greatest things you can do to encourage proper oral care is to model it yourself. Making dental hygiene a family activity will give your child the chance to observe and emulate your oral health habits like brushing and flossing.
Don’t let the sweet treats of childhood ruin your little one’s beautiful smile. By taking proper care of their teeth and making sure they enjoy sugary foods in moderation, you can set your kid up for a lifetime with gorgeous teeth.
Dr. Ryan Weldon earned his dental doctorate at the Medical College of Georgia, where he graduated in the top 25% of his class, and has completed the MCG General Practice Residency Program. He has been trained in dental implants, bone grafting, IV sedation, and many other dental techniques. His office in Rome, GA offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as pediatric dental services. To schedule an appointment for your child, contact the office online or dial (706) 232-2082.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
