This month is a very special month, according to the American Dental Association. Each February, the ADA sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month.
National Children’s Dental Health month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of oral health, and the Brighton Family Dental Group team could not support the cause more!
Developing lifelong, quality dental hygiene habits starts at an early age with parental help. Teaching your children how to brush their teeth sets a great foundation. The ADA teaches proper teeth brushing in 5 simple steps.
1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
2. Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.
3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.
4. Tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes to clean the inside surface of the front teeth.
5. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Of course, four year olds don’t know what a 45-degree angle is, but teach your children by example. Use Children’s Dental Health Month to make brushing and flossing a fun family activity. This will instill healthy habits in your kids that will help them achieve a lifetime of quality oral and overall health.
The ADA suggests you bring your children in for their first checkup at the age of 1, but unless there are problems, 2 is a good age for children to be seen by the dentist for the first time. Generally, these checkups are quick and simple, but they are a great way for us to make sure that your child is growing and developing properly. Get your child excited about going to the dentist by making it sound fun. The ADA has great suggestions for teaching children about their teeth in an entertaining way.
We want to see your kids in our office in Brighton, Massachusetts. For more information about family dentistry or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (617) 562-5210.
The Brighton Family Dental staff will work with you to schedule an appointment that fits into your busy schedule. We look forward to seeing you and giving your child a reason to smile!
