Dental Health Awareness Month

If you haven’t heard yet, it’s Dental Health Awareness Month and we’re promoting it by doing a coloring contest! Make sure to download your coloring page and turn it in by February 29th. On top of promoting dental health through our coloring contest, we also wanted to provide you with some dental tips to be mindful of this month and throughout your life!

Dental Tips to Help Promote Good Oral Health:

1. Brush at least twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Preferably, brush after every meal and especially before going to bed. If you are unable to brush, at least make an effort to carefully rinse your mouth with water. Make sure your child doesn’t eat or drink anything with sugar in it after bedtime tooth brushing. Salivary flow decreases during sleep. Without enough saliva, teeth are less able to repair themselves after an acid attack.
2. Clean between teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaners.
3. Rinse daily with a fluoride-containing mouthwash. Some rinses also have antiseptic ingredients to help kill bacteria
4. Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking. Limit snacks of any type because frequent between-meal eating exposes your teeth to a constant acid assault. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, which increase the production of acid in your mouth. Avoid carbohydrates, starches, and sticky foods such as candy, fruit snacks, and chips, which can stick to the tooth surface. If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth soon afterwards. Foods that protect your teeth include cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables. Save candy, cookies, soda, and other sugary drinks/foods for special occasions. Limit fruit juice and follow the Daily Juice Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
5. Drink fluoridated water or check with your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and counteracts cavity-producing acid in the mouth. When used in proper amounts, it can prevent tooth decay from getting worse and may even replace lost minerals to reverse a minor cavity.
6. Have dental sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help protect them from decay.
7. Visit your dentist regularly (at least every 6 months) for professional cleanings and oral examinations. It is important to know your level of risk for getting cavities and your dental professional can help determine an oral health plan that is appropriate for your individual needs.

We hope these dental tips are helpful to you and your family. As always, if you have ANY questions about your dental health, please don’t be afraid to reach out, we’re here for you! Call us today to set up an appointment or request an appointment here.