February is National Children’s Oral Health Month
Once termed the "silent epidemic," the secret is out: children’s oral health is in trouble in the United States. Tooth decay is the number one chronic illness in U.S. children (5 times more prevalent than asthma), yet 50 million people are unable to access a dental care provider.
In an effort to reach children that lack access to care, dentists nationwide participate each February in Give Kids a Smile Day, which provides free dental services to all children in need. Kids Smiles has taken it one step further, and is offering this service – which we have dubbed Grin & Share It-- each month! This program not only provides clinical care, but also emphasizes the importance of regular visits to the dentist.
Test your oral health knowledge, then share what you know with a child in your life, in honor of National Children’s Oral Health Month.
True or False: Baby teeth with cavities do not need fillings.
Answer: False. Baby teeth have an important job in your mouth, holding space for adult teeth, helping form a baby’s jaw, and supporting proper chewing (just to name a few). Filling cavities helps stop the spread of tooth decay to other teeth!
Tooth Tip: Complete the dental treatment plan given by your dentist to stop the spread of decay in its tracks!
True or False: Children should visit a dentist by age 5 or when they begin school.
Answer: False. We like to say, “First tooth, first dental check-up!” Not only does this build trust and comfort with dentist visits early, but it gives a head start to stopping decay in its tracks.
Tooth Tip: Don’t send a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything but water, and always wipe a baby’s gums with a soft cloth after feeding.
True or False: It’s not just candy that causes cavities, crackers and chips can too!
Answer: True. The starch in crackers and chips converts to sugar and can form plaque on teeth. Plaque (the bacteria found in ALL of our mouths) can then lead to cavities.
Tooth Tip: Rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles or chew a piece of sugar-free gum (especially if it contains Xylitol) to loosen food particles and stimulate saliva.
