Why is it important?
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases - so it’s really important to celebrate awareness of children’s oral health. As a parent or caregiver, you have an essential job to support your children’s dental health by working on specific things related to their teeth, such as tooth decay, crowded teeth and healthy gums.
How can I get involved?
It can be as easy as keeping up with daily oral care and visiting your dentist twice a year for those all-important checkups, but there are some specific things you can do this month to make sure your family are starting the year with the best chances for their oral health.
Buy new toothbrushes
Every three months, your toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if you’re using an electric toothbrush) should be replaced, because frayed bristles won’t do the job as well as fresh ones. If you want to help your children get enthusiastic about brushing their teeth, there are plenty of playful options at your local pharmacist or supermarket, where they can pick something with their favourite characters, or choose a toothpaste they like. This month is the perfect time to throw away your old toothbrushes and replace them with new ones.
2. Check how they brush
Your kids might already be brushing their teeth without supervision, but there’s no harm in taking the time this month to make sure their brushing habits are working properly - checking in with them over February and offering tips and tricks to keep their teeth clean, and their gums healthy, will set them up for a year of excellent dental hygiene, and make sure your dentist is happy at your next appointment
3. Book an appointment with your dentist
The best way to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month is to schedule an appointment with your community dentist. For some children, a visit to the dentist can be a daunting experience, and the best way to help them get comfortable with it is to build positive relationships between them and their dentist. It’s recommended for children to visit their dentist every six months - so if you schedule an appointment for this month, their next one ought to fall just before they head back to school at the beginning of September.
National Children’s Dental Health Month is the perfect opportunity to learn about the best oral hygiene habits and share them with your family - it’s a great time to check in on what’s going well and what could be improved, and a lovely reminder to keep up with your regular checkups to ensure your child’s next visit to the dentist is a happy one.
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