February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

The February 2020 National Children’s Dental Health Month, sponsored by the ADA, is a great time to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their parents, caregivers, teachers, and others. Take this time to talk to your kids about the benefits of regular brushing and flossing, as well as healthy eating. Ensuring good dental hygiene in Studio City is critical for young people especially.

Helpful Resources

It’s important to promote the importance of a healthy smile. Check out some kid-friendly oral health worksheets and games on MouthHealthy.org and click on the For Kids tab on the left side of the page. Here, you’ll find age-appropriate activities, games and videos, as well as teaching guides you can use at home or in the classroom to educate kids on good oral health practices.

Also on this site is the ADA Dental Symptom Checker, which is designed to help you understand what your child’s dental symptoms mean so you can make informed decisions about their dental health. If you don’t already have a family dentist, use the Find-A-Dentist online feature with a zip code search, or simply make an appointment with Studio City Dental Center.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first dental appointment within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by the age of one.

Tips to Keep in Mind

We all need a reminder every once in a while, and our kids are certainly no exception. Make sure your kids are following these tips so they can enjoy a healthier, brighter smile.

• Drink fluoridated water
• Brush with fluoride toothpaste: for children younger than three years, use fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than the size of a grain of rice; for children older than that, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is sufficient
• Brush teeth thoroughly and floss between teeth to get rid of plaque
• Visit the dentist regularly, every six months
• Help children brush and floss their teeth
• Make sure they brush at least twice a day
• Limit sugary foods
• Brush for a sufficient amount of time, between two and three minutes
• Encourage them to wear a mouthguard or helmet when playing sports
• Floss daily with a slow, gentle sawing motion
• Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit juices, which can erode tooth enamel
• Don’t chew ice or use your teeth for cracking nuts, removing bottle tops or ripping open packaging. This reduces the risk of chipping or cracking.
• For a knocked-out tooth, attempt to put the tooth back in place while seeking emergency dental care. If this isn’t possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk, then get immediate dental care.
• Get x-rays as recommended
• See the dentist in between regular visits if you have a problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums
• Discourage tobacco use early in life
• Get dental sealants
• Chew sugarless gum
• Replace toothbrushes every three months or after an illness

Contact Studio City Dental

To schedule your child’s six-month visit, contact us at 818-762-2977 or fill out our online form.