Dental Health-Important for Everyone!

February is Dental Health Month, and a good time to remember the importance of proper dental hygiene. It has been found that 50% of children show evidence of tooth decay by the time they enter Kindergarten. Poor dental hygiene can contribute to the build-up of plaque, a clear film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth. This bacteria can eat away at the teeth causing dental caries and decay. It can also affect the gums, causing redness, inflammation, and pain known as gingivitis. If the bacteria that causes the decay enters the bloodstream, it can cause damage to the organs including the heart.

Lack of access to dental care can also be a contributing factor to dental decay. For information on available community resources, you are welcome to contact me in the Health Office.

How We Can Keep Our Teeth and Smiles Bright

• Brush teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Make sure to help your children floss once a day too!

• We need to make sure our children are brushing all surface areas of the teeth, not just the front.

• The tooth brush should have soft bristles. The packing of the toothbrush will be labeled as SOFT.

• Don’t forget to brush the tongue!

• Good nutrition protects our teeth as well as keeps us healthy. Sugary treats don’t need to be excluded, but limiting them is important to avoiding plaque and decay.

• Drink plenty of water all day long, especially after a meal to help flush off bacteria.

• Invest in a new tooth brush at least every three months and after every illness to avoid lingering bacteria and germs.

• Regular dental visits at least twice a year.

• Reward children with items such as pencils, stickers, and words of praise instead of sweet treats.

• Talk to the dentist about whether sealants are appropriate for your child. They are a hard, clear coating that fills in the crevices in the teeth helping to prevent cavities. A typical sealant can last 10 years.