What are you doing to celebrate Children's Dental Health Month

Because it’s so important to learn good dental health habits early, dentists have celebrated National Children’s Dental Health Month every February. Dentists hope parents will think about their role in developing good habits.

Here are five tips from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to help you help your children keep their smile bright and happy:

1. Your child should see a dentist when his or her first tooth appears, but certainly no later than his or her first birthday.

2. “Baby teeth” are very important for a variety of reasons. First, they help children speak clearly. Second, they help them learn to chew naturally. Another reason is they form a path that permanent teeth can follow when they come in.

3. Thumb-sucking and pacifiers can be issues if the behavior persists past 3 years old. Parents should allow children to give up those habits and not encourage them to continue. If children continue those habits, they should be seen by a dentist.

4. If your child is an athlete, he or she should use soft plastic mouthguards to protect his or her teeth, lips, cheeks and gums. Dr. Fenichel can custom-fit a mouthguard to properly protect your child.

5. Kids play rough and fall hard. If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, you need to stay calm, but take immediate action. Find the tooth. Holding it by the crown, rather than the root, try to reinsert it in the socket. If that’s not easily done, put the tooth in a glass of milk and bring your child and the tooth to our office. Call us first so we know you’re coming. After hours, call the office so you can get the emergency number.

Of course, there are lots of other questions you might have about your child’s teeth or children’s dental health in general. Don’t hesitate to call and ask us. Or post your question on our Facebook page (remember to like us while you’re there) and we’ll answer it there as well.

To celebrate National Children’s Dental Health month, we’ll be posting links regularly this month on our Facebook page to various activities, apps and posters that you can use with your kids to discuss or practice good dental habits.

Most parents worry about their children’s dental health all year and so do we. Don’t hesitate to call with your questions.  And remember to make appointments for regular check-ups for your children and your entire family.