Children's Dental Health Awareness
Healthy teeth and gums for our community
Maintaining dental health in children is essential, as it significantly affects their overall well-being. February is National Children's Dental Health Awareness Month, and ETSU Health Pediatrics has found a way to support children in our community throughout the entire year.
In rural areas, teaching children about dental care is even more important due to limited access to dental services. Some families must travel hours just to see a pediatric dentist. Establishing good oral hygiene at home can set your child on the path to having healthy teeth and gums.
ETSU Health Pediatrics Johnson City, supports our patients by providing dental kits and fluoride varnish to promote good oral care. These dental kit bags will include toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and a children's book.
By offering these services, we hope to help our patients maintain healthy and happy
smiles.
According to the CDC, cavities are the most common chronic disease affecting children. They occur when plaque buildup on the teeth combines with sugars from food, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel.
If not treated, cavities can lead to pain, infection, and more severe dental issues. It's important for parents to encourage good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to help prevent cavities and promote overall dental health in children.
Parents should start brushing their children’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts.
If your child is too young to spit out the toothpaste, make sure to use a small amount,
no larger than a grain of rice. Juice and other sugary beverages, including milk,
can increase the risk of cavities, so it’s advisable to limit juice consumption and
ensure that teeth are brushed thoroughly at the end of the day.
Prioritizing children's dental health is crucial for their overall well-being, not
just for their oral hygiene. Together, we can help children develop healthy habits
and prevent poor dental hygiene.