February is Children’s Dental Health Month

"Oral health has a direct impact on children’s ability to learn," says Terry Krohn, Director of Two Rivers Public Health Department. "If children are in pain from toothaches, they are not able to concentrate and focus on the material in class. If they have to miss school due to dental problems, they are more likely to fall behind.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children and parents need to take their children to see a dentist at least once a year.   According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children in the U.S. miss 750,000 days of school each year because of dental problems – 90% of which are preventable.  Starting at age one, seeing a dentist regularly will get children off to a good start with their oral health.

Oral health directly affects many other aspects of your total health.   Recent information suggests the health of your mouth directly relates to the body’s overall health.  People with good oral health have been shown to be at a lower risk of heart disease, complications from diabetes, and oral cancer.  Taking care of your teeth and gums can add years to your life.

Here are some suggestions for parents and caregivers:

• Parents should help their children with brushing and flossing. Children don't have the fine motor skills needed to brush properly until ages 6 to 8, and aren't able to floss correctly until age 10.  Use pea-sized amounts of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Schedule brushing, flossing and rinsing at times when your child is not tired.
• Let your child be involved by picking toothpaste and toothbrushes from options you approve.
• Use positive reinforcement and find out what will motivate your child into brushing and flossing. This may be a sticker or gold stars on a chart, which can also keep them on track.
• Parents should schedule dental appointments by one year of age to receive guidance from their dental professionals in the proper care of their children’s teeth.

For more information, please call Two Rivers Public Health Department at:                     1-888-669-7154 or visit our website at: www.tworiverspublichealth.com 

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