February is...Children's Dental Month

Dentistry is a branch of health care too often overlooked according to local dentists. Since February is Children’s Dental Month, dental professionals are shining their spotlight on teeth, and how to care for them.

“I think patient education is out there, I’m not sure if everybody utilizes it,” said Dr. Sara Brendmoen with the . “But for some families who are low-income and don’t have insurance, I think it’s much more difficult for them.”

In Dr. Brendmoen’s opinion, there’s a lot parents should keep in mind about dental care year-round, not just after a cleaning.

Visiting the Dentist:

• Schedule cleanings at least twice a year- dentists also check for cavities and oral cancer.
• Children should make their visit to the dentist by the time they are two or three years old.

Home Care:

• Brush at least twice a day and floss nightly.
• Use a toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval.
• Brendmoen recommends an electric toothbrush.
• Use fluoride free toothpaste until child is old enough not to swallow it.
• You should start brushing your children’s teeth as soon as they come in.

Diet:

• If possible, brush teeth after eating.
• Avoid food and drink with high sugar and acid content.
• While sodas are very sugary, Brendmoen says sports drinks like Gatorade are even worse.
• If child is going to be eating or drinking sugar, do it all at once, don’t spread it out across the day.

The problem with eating sugary and acidic foods all day long is that it actually changes the PH in your mouth which is not ideal. Brendmoen says good dental health is linked to good overall health, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“The bacteria in your mouth has a big correlation with diabetes and heart disease,” Brendmoen said.

Brendmoen says some children with specific dental health needs should see the dentist more than twice a year, so ask your dentist before making any assumptions.