Children’s Dental Health Is All About Prevention
Children’s Dental Health Month
Being that it’s National Children’s Dental Health Month we figured a double down dose of the kids dental health message is on the docket.
This message is all about PREVENTION.
If we can start our kids on the path to optimal oral health early enough by setting a positive example with a healthy diet and a diligent daily dental hygiene regimen, then our children will emulate us by developing their own dental hygiene habits that will serve them well from the time they are kids, through adulthood.
The Children’s Dental Health Prevention Message
Pediatric dental disease is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever.
Left untreated, pediatric dental disease – or tooth decay – can lead to malnourished, bacterial infections, required emergency surgery, or worse.
At our Somerset NJ dentist office we are most concerned with communicating all aspects of preventive care to parents.
Children’s Dental Health Keys to Prevention
Dental Sealants
One highly recommended approach to ensuring optimal oral health for our kids at an early age and limiting the damaging effects of tooth decay is the use of dental sealants. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect children’s teeth.
Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth.
This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.
Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
The even better news is that both children and adults can benefit from dental sealants in the fight against tooth decay.
Cavity Prevention In Children
Most of us in Dr. Haddad’s office are parents ourselves, so we understand how difficult it can be to try to prevent a child from eating candy, drinking soda, or over-indulging in any other sugar-laden foods or drinks.
But that doesn’t mean just because it’s difficult that it doesn’t get done!
Lots of times the very formation of tooth decay (cavities) is directly due to the child’s diet – usually one quite high in sugary foods.
If parents can again pave the way for our kids with positive dietary habits, they can learn the value of cavity prevention from an early age.
The other major culprit with kids tooth decay is a simple lack of brushing their teeth.
To kids, brushing our teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. If parents take the time to participate in the process rather than just mandating it be done, maybe our kids can learn proper prevention from a more positive standpoint.
And with all the tooth-brushing apps, Bluetooth toothbrushes, Bieber brushes, countdown timers, & even music players to entertain us while we brush, there are no more excuses to NOT setting a positive example when it comes to our kids brushing their teeth.
Two minutes a pop, twice a day is the going recommendation!
6 Children’s Dental Health Prevention Tips
Here are some tips for cavity prevention – for children & adults:
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing.
- Watch what your child drinks.
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
- Make treats part of meals.
- Choose nutritious snacks.
Somerset NJ Children’s Dentist: Joseph Haddad, D.D.S.
We gladly welcome children of all ages, our patient’s comfort is a primary concern.
We proudly provide quality Family Dentistry to the community of Somerset, NJ. 08873 in addition to the surrounding Somerset County areas of Bound Brook, Hillsborough Township, Readington Township, and Bridgewater.
We offer the most advanced technology in a comfortable, inviting, kid-friendly environment.
Dr. Haddad offers significant savings:
- $500 Off Dental Implants
- $85 Discount Dental Exams
- $75 Teeth Cleanings
- $750 Off Invisalign
- $100 Off ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
To schedule a FREE consultation just call us at (732) 545-8111 & find our 08873 dentist office on Google.
If you have any questions about caring for your oral health, or any other happenings at our Franklin Township dentist office just give us a call today at (732) 545-8111.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on the dental health blog of Dr. Frank Maldonado and has been republished here with permission. It has since been updated for accuracy & comprehensiveness.
Comments are closed.
