Good Dental Habits Emphasized During Children’s Oral Health Month
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2016) — Parents and caregivers are urged to take a moment to pause and talk to children about the importance of good oral health and make sure good dental habits are being formed during National Children’s Oral Health Month.
“More people are beginning to understand that good dental health is linked to good overall health," said Dr. Enrique Bimstein, chief of the Division of Oral Health Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. "But we still have work to do around helping people understand that good habits need to be formed early in life.”
Some people believe primary, or “baby” teeth are not very important. However, primary teeth have significant jobs to do, including helping children chew and speak and holding space for permanent teeth, he said.
"A healthy mouth helps keep a child healthy overall," Bimstein said. "Dental pain, from something like a toothache, can be very distracting in a classroom setting and may require children to miss school time in order to receive necessary treatment. If left untreated, problems can sometimes lead to more serious infections, placing a child at risk for larger health problems."
Bimstein provides a few oral health reminders:
· Brush two minutes, two times a day with fluoride toothpaste.
· Floss daily to help reach where brushing misses.
· Schedule a child’s first dental visit no later than age 1 year old, and schedule regular checkups following their first visit.
“With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits, children’s primary teeth can remain healthy and strong — helping to maintain their overall health,” said Bimstein.
To celebrate National Children’s Oral Health Month, UK Oral Health will be providing free children’s dental supplies, while supplies last, on Thursdays in February. More information is available at dentistry.uky.edu/pediatric.
Media Contact: Ann Blackford at 859-323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu