National Children’s Dental Health Month

Happy February from Twohig Dentistry! February is National Children’s Dental Health Month which makes it a perfect time for Dr. Twohig and the team to review some of the important steps in keeping your child’s smile healthy! Join us on today’s blog to discover dental health tips for the whole family.

For your child’s oral hygiene routine, It's important to create a consistent routine of brushing and flossing twice a day. If you find it difficult to establish a routine at the typical oral hygiene times like first thing in the morning or right before bed, try out different times like right after meals.
For brushing, children should use a soft-bristled brush, and for toothpaste, choose one that contains fluoride. A pea-size amount of toothpaste is sufficient in older children and a smear of toothpaste on the brush for infants.

An important part of keeping your child’s smile healthy is making sure they are eating a balanced diet. We recommend feeding your child fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible and limiting their intake of sugar. Sugar is one of the leading factors of tooth decay. Limiting sugar can help lower the risk of cavities and keep your child’s smile healthy!

Children should begin visiting the dentist six months after the first tooth erupts or by age one. Your child may express some anxiety about their first visit so we suggest preparing them before their first appointment as much as possible. Try reading books to your children about going to the dentist. Also, you might try bringing your child along to watch as you have your own visit to the dental office.

If you want to learn more about dental health we are always happy to help! Ask us the next time you are in for an appointment. Until then, have a happy and healthy February!