National Children’s Dental Health Month
Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth, gums and food habits.
Brushing and flossing is not the only way to maintain a healthy mouth! Your Golden, CO Dentist, wants to make sure we are teaching our community about the benefits of rinsing, staying hydrated, eating healthy snacks and maintaining good sleep habits.
We all have been taught that brushing, flossing and mouth rinses are how we maintain oral health but it is a bit more involved than that. A child’s diet is a large factor in maintaining a healthy mouth. Encouraging kids to eat healthy snacks to decrease sugar intake will help prevent cavities and gum problems but more importantly the drinks that children choose can make a big difference on their oral health. A lot of kids start drinking Power Aids, Gatorade, Soda, and energy drinks (these are just a few) not understanding that it is actually the acidity of those drinks that start to affect the teeth. IT ISN’T THE SUGAR!! So, “everything in moderation.”
Sleeping habits also affect oral health. Over time, children whose mouth breathing goes untreated may suffer from abnormal facial and dental development, such as long, narrow faces and mouths, gummy smiles, gingivitis, crooked teeth and not to mention increase risk of forming cavities. The poor sleeping habits that result from mouth breathing can adversely affect growth and academic performance also!
For more information and to get your children on track schedule an appointment with your Golden, CO Dentist
Schedule with Dr Sprout between now and February 27, 2015 and get a FREE exam!
Genesee Dental Group: 303-526-9155
Can’t wait to meet you!