February is Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month

You have a reason to smile! February is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) – a great opportunity to promote the benefits of good oral health, because developing good dental health habits at an early age, including scheduling regular dental visits, helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

First dental check-up recommendation

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children have their first dental check-up by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age. Among children who have never visited the dentist or who have not seen a dentist in the last 12 months, the most frequently mentioned reason (62%) was that “the child is too young” or “doesn’t have enough teeth yet.” Don’t let those reasons deter you from making a preventative dental check up.

Enhance your child’s quality of life!

Poor oral health can have a detrimental effect on children’s quality of life, their performance at school, and their success later in life. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who do not.

Good news – cavities are preventable

Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth. Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated. Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.

Dental sealants can also prevent cavities for many years. Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth prevent 80% of cavities.

What can you do?

• From an early age, teach children the importance of good oral health.
• Take your children with you for your next checkup to see you having your teeth examined and cleaned.
• Be playful – take turns being the dentist and the patient. Examine each other’s teeth with a mirror or use your fingers to count each other teeth so your child will be familiar with the dental examination.
• Brush your children’s teeth twice a day for two minutes.
• Floss once daily as soon as teeth start touching. You can purchase easy handheld flossers that children can use themselves.
• Avoid foods high in sugar and starches.
• Limit drinks at bedtime to water; no milk or juice.
• Share these fun printable activities with the kids.

Hello, you’ve reached the Tooth Fairy

It’s true! Kids can call the Tooth Fairy when they’ve lost a tooth, deserve a pat on the back for a stellar dental exam, or need a pep talk to keep those nasty sugar bugs that caused a cavity out. There are four voice messages, created by the Tooth Fairy and her friends at Delta Dental of Washington. Connect with the Tooth Fairy hotline at 1.833.FAIRY.WA.

Use your dental benefits – especially for your kids!

The AWC Trust has great dental plans options. All plans include coverage for preventive services, and depending on the plan and incentive level, preventive services could be paid 100%. Give your kids something to smile about and schedule their next preventative dental exam today.