Children’s Dental Health Month 

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and at Riverwalk Family Dental, we’re reminding children and their parents of the importance of childhood dental hygiene. The American Dental Association (ADA) stresses that children should see a dentist twice yearly as soon as their first baby tooth erupts. Caring for baby teeth is crucial to ensuring the permanent teeth come in properly and allowing children to eat and speak properly. Why not make Children’s Dental Health Month informative and fun with dental-focused activities your kids will enjoy?

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Although your child’s baby (primary) teeth will fall out between the ages of 6 and 12, it is crucial to keep them healthy and in place so that they aren’t lost prematurely. The roles of baby teeth include:

• Maintaining space for permanent teeth.
• Giving your child’s face a normal appearance.
• Helping your child speak clearly.
• Ensuring your child can eat and chew comfortably.
• Preventing damage to the permanent teeth.

Losing baby teeth too soon can lead to serious problems. In the United States, 1 in 5 children between the ages of 2 and 8 have at least one untreated cavity. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nearly half of all children between 6 and 12 suffer from tooth decay. If the baby teeth are decayed, the infection can spread to the permanent teeth in the jawbone, creating serious health issues. Whenever your child loses a tooth, be sure to check to see if it shows any sign of infection, damage, or decay. If you see any issues, contact Riverwalk Family Dental so that we can schedule your child for a checkup.

Read About Dental Health

An amazing array of books about the importance of dental care is available for all ages and reading levels. Each is a delight in its own right and talks about everything from how to brush properly to what to expect when a baby tooth falls out.

Here are a few books we suggest:

• The Tooth Book: For Children to Enjoy Learning about Teeth, Cavities, and Other Dental Health Facts by Marc, Mae, and Mami Bacera
• Popoh Found a… Toothbrush: A Fun Adventure on How to Brush Your Teeth by Raquel Durso and Agata Buiko
• Just Going to the Dentist (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer
• If The Dentist Were An Animal (The Smile Series) by Rachel Grider RDH and Summer Morrison
• Sugar Bugs by Erica Weisz and Dr. Sam Weisz

Use ADA Resources

The American Dental Association website has numerous resources to make brushing, flossing, and learning about teeth and gums more fun. These resources are designed by dental professionals and are a great way to supplement your child’s dental health education. Visit their Dental Health Month resources page to discover coloring sheets, brushing charts, and posters you can print and share with your children.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment

Do you remember when your child had their last dental exam? If not, they are due for another one. Regular dental checkups are crucial to maintaining your child’s oral health. Take the time to contact our office at Naperville IL Dentist Office Phone Number 630-579-6000 to schedule an appointment with our office for a complete examination and dental cleaning. We can discuss dental sealants if needed and review proper brushing techniques with your child as part of their appointment, putting them on track toward a healthy dental future.