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April is Oral Health Month!
Along with "wash your hands" and "cover your mouth when you cough", "brush your teeth" is one of my mantras of motherhood. I suppose I say it so often because I hope that one day when I am not around, my kids will hear my words echoing in their head and do it for themselves.
As April is Oral Health Month, it is a great time to ensure that your children are having their regular six month check-ups with their Pediatric Dentist and brushing and flossing their teeth every day. However, if you've been a little forgetful, Oral Health Month is a good time to get back on track to a happy, healthy smile.
"It's all about establishing good, healthy habits early," says Dr. Meier, a board certified Pediatric Dentist and instructor at the University of Manitoba Dental School. "Proper oral hygiene routines should be introduced as early as infancy and continued throughout life,"
Dr. Meier suggests that once your child's teeth begin erupting, you begin cleaning them. "Start by using a small, soft toothbrush or cloth, and simply run it around the teeth, using a gentle circular motion. Make sure to reach all the surfaces especially along the gum line".
Children's teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, after breakfast and then before bedtime along with flossing. "The pre-bedtime toothbrushing session is the most important. While we are asleep, the mouth produces less saliva, which helps keep our teeth clean", says Dr. Meier. "Once your child can brush and floss their teeth on their own", he adds, "you should still supervise them to be sure they get all the parts of their teeth and gums". "My rule of thumb is, if a child can handwrite their name, they have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively on their own".
By starting regular dental visits at an early age and helping your child establish good oral health habits, you can put your child on the path to a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth and gums.
Dr. Meier's pediatric practice, Children's Dental Centre, specializes in treating children. The office is well equipped to put children at ease with video games, painted murals and a toy train traveling around the office. Children's Dental Centre is conveniently located at 240-1630 Ness Avenue in Madison Square, one block west of Polo Park. Appointments may be made at 668-5437. New patients are welcome and referrals are not necessary.
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