Why is Children’s Dental Health Month Important?

If you’re like most parents, you’d likely do whatever you could to make your child happy- especially if you get to see their beautiful smile. So, you probably already know how important their growing grin is. Well, the American Dental Association does, too. In fact, that’s why they created National Children’s Dental Health Month. Each February, the ADA teams up with dentists across the nation to celebrate these sweet, silly smiles. Here’s a closer look at why!

What is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

Originally started on Feb 8, 1949, as Children’s Dental Health Day, the ADA extended this special celebration to an entire month in 1981. The purpose of the day is to promote awareness of the importance of oral health in kids, as to this day tooth decay still remains the most common chronic childhood disease in the country and even around the world.

Why is National Children’s Dental Health Month Important?

There’s no denying how important it is to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong. Cavities and tooth decay cause an estimated 34 to 51 million hours of school each year. But did you know that protecting their teeth and gums can also set them up for a lifetime of good oral and overall health? While it can be easy to dismiss “baby teeth” as being temporary and therefore of lesser importance than adult teeth, cavities and gum disease can take away valuable school time and even cause future dental problems including crowding, tooth loss, premature tooth eruption, and even gum disease.

Tongue Ties and Oral Health

While it may not seem obvious, a tongue or lip tie can affect everything from their speech to your child’s oral health. That’s because when they are unable to move their tongue properly, it can make it harder to pronounce certain sounds. It can also cause sleep problems that lead to dangerous conditions like dry mouth, which can in turn increase their risk of developing cavities and tooth decay.

How Can I Protect My Child’s Growing Smile?

While February is an ideal time to shine a spotlight on your child’s oral health, caring for their teeth and gums is a daily effort. Thus, be sure they are:

• Brushing their teeth twice a day.
• Flossing daily.
• Visiting their dentist every six months for their regular check-ups and cleanings.
• Protecting their teeth with a properly fitting mouthguard if they play sports.
• Not using their teeth as tools.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet low in sugar and carbohydrates.
• If your child has a lip or tongue tie, schedule a consultation with a specialist to discuss the benefits of a frenectomy.

Remember, while it may be National Children’s Dental Health Month every February, protecting your child’s teeth and gums should never take a day off. To learn more about how to safeguard their growing smiles with a frenectomy, schedule a consultation with a specialist today.

About Our Practice

At Chicago Tongue Tie Center, Dr. Justin and Dr. Bindi want to protect your child’s smile for a lifetime. If you’re looking for an ideal way to celebrate your child’s gorgeous, growing grin, you don’t need a special occasion like National Children’s Dental Health Month! Tongue and lip ties can complicate feeding and oral healthcare, making it harder for your child to grow healthy and strong. To learn more about how you can help give them a healthier mouth with the help of a frenectomy, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 312-248-2455.