Affirmation for February 4, 2011: Give Kids A Smile Day

My health plan doesn't cover dental, so I enrolled my teeth as 32 dependents, each needing a complete physical once a year.- Robert BraultThought of the day:Today is Give Kids A Smile Day, and we would like to celebrate all the kids and parents who know exactly how important having shiny healthy smiles is to your overall health. The ADA supports February as National Children's Dental Health Month to promote early healthy dental habits in children, and we'd like to share some tips to help with this initiative (from Dentistry.com):1. Remember, a child's dental care begins before birth. A child's teeth form between the third and sixth month of pregnancy. An expectant mother must practice good health habits to ensure proper development of her unborn child's teeth. This means consuming plenty of calcium-rich foods such as leafy greens, fortified cereals and dairy or soy products.2. Just because you can't see your baby's teeth doesn't mean they aren't there. Simply wiping a baby's gums with a clean gauze pad after feeding will remove harmful plaque and bacteria.3. Take your child to the dentist by his/her first birthday. A dentist will check your 1-year-old for tooth decay, as well as identify fluoride needs and address any potentially dangerous habits such as thumb sucking.4. Don't use toothpaste for children under 2. As soon as the first teeth appear, brush teeth with a little bit of water. 5. Teach your children the proper brushing techniques. Most children will be able to brush their own teeth by age 6 or 7. Select for them a brush that has soft, rounded bristles and teach them to use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.6. Don't forget the floss! As soon as any two teeth touch, make sure that you use floss to clean between your child's teeth. This is the only way to avoid decay in places where a toothbrush can't reach.7. Make trips to the dentist fun for your child. It is important for your child to have a good attitude toward dental visits. Be positive and remind your child that the dentist is a friendly doctor who is helping to take care of his or her teeth. Set a good example yourself by brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting the dentist regularly.Have a bright day!TeamDS
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