FEBRUARY IS CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Salisbury, MD. Did you know that tooth decay (cavities) is the most common chronic disease found in children? It is five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever. Each year, more than 51 million school hours are lost due to dental problems. Untreated, tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Fortunately, with good oral health care habits, tooth decay can be prevented.

It is important for parents to teach their children good dental health care habits, including proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing techniques, eating nutritious foods without sugar, and having regular visits to the dentist, said Dr. Gary Womer, Clinical Director of the Village Dental Center at Wicomico County Health Department. Steps such as these will help ensure that children will have a healthy mouth, as well as a healthy body. Since children learn oral health care from their parents, it is important that parents serve as role models and practice good oral health care habits.Parents should supervise brushing until children are seven to eight years old.

During the month of February, Village Dental Center staff will be visiting elementary schools in Wicomico County to offer free dental screening, fluoride varnish application and education. Children can also discover the power of a healthy smile with MouthPower® Online, an entertaining and innovative Web site sponsored by the National Museum of Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Children can explore Mouthies interactive online laboratory to learn how to keep their smiles sparkling. They can learn how to brush and floss, make healthy food choices, and steer clear of the pitfalls of tobacco. After completing the program, children can download a personalized certificate. The program is available in English and Spanish at http://www.mouthpower.org./

 

Children can also test their dental knowledge by playing the "Million Dollar Smile" and "Dental Jeopardy" games by visiting the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Oral Health website at http://dhmh.maryland.gov/  clicking on Children's Dental Health Month under 'Hot Topics.' For more information about the free screening program or to schedule a dental appointment for your child, please contact the Village Dental Center at 410-334-3401.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
-Schedule a child's first dental visit when his or her first tooth appears, or by the first birthday.-Provide children with healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Give them water to drink between meals.-Have your child brush with toothpaste that has fluoride at least twice a day for two minutes. Children need brushing supervision until seven to eight years of age.-Ask your children's dentist about the need for fluoride treatment.-Check with your local health department or water board or have your water tested to determine the amount of fluoride in your water. If it is too low to prevent tooth decay, ask your dentist or physician about fluoride supplements.-Ask about dental sealants when your child's permanent teeth come in.