Children’s Dental Health Month

Children's Dental Health Month

Children's Dental Health Month Colorado Springs

Children’s Dental Health Month

The month of February is designated as National Children’s Dental Month. This effort is sponsored by the American Oral Association (ADA) to promote awareness about the significance of dental health for children. Our dentist Colorado Springs wants all of its families to celebrate this fun dental holiday.

What To Know About Children’s Dental Health Month

NCDHM stands for National Children’s Dental Health Month. NCDHM is a month-long national health awareness campaign that brings together hundreds of committed educators, healthcare providers, and dental professionals, like your Colorado Springs dentist, to promote the importance of excellent oral health to children, their carers, teachers, and others.

History of Children’s Dental Health Month

On February 3, 1941, National Children’s Dental Health Month started as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio. Then, years later on on February 8, 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) organized the inaugural national celebration of Children’s Dental Health Day. In 1955, the one-day commemoration was expanded to a week-long celebration.

Then, the program expanded to a month-long celebration in 1981, known as National Children’s Dental Health Month.Thus, the commemoration has developed  from a two-city event to a countrywide program since 1941.

NCDHM broadcasts are now reaching tens of thousands of individuals in towns around the nation and at several military facilities.

Dental Health of Children

At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, best dentist in Colorado Springs, we believe that healthy habits begin at a young age. Children may get a head start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums by developing excellent habits at a young age.

Our modern family dentistry Colorado Springs works with both children and their parents to develop good habits. Your Kissing Camels pediatric dentist will also guide good dietary habits, sealants, tobacco use, and piercings as your children grow.

Quick Tips to Assist Your Child in Maintaining a Healthy Smile

  • First, instead of soda or sweetened juice, give your kids water. Juice and soda are very bad for your child’s teeth and can lead to cavities.
  • Encourage your youngster to sip from a cup as their first birthday approaches. Many training cups are disguised infant bottles. Therefore, the youngster obtains fluids like a baby bottle by sucking on the cup. Unfortunately, toddlers are also notoriously wobbly on their feet. You risk injuring their mouth if they fall while drinking from a cup.
  • If your children chew gum, make it sugarless. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal may enhance saliva flow and aid in removing food and decay-causing acid.
  • Floss once a day day (yes, even for kids).
  • Brushing for your children first, then letting them brush (or try to touch) after you will help them acquire proper brushing methods.
  • Brushing your teeth should take around two minutes. Some applications assist you in keeping track of time and make cleaning your teeth enjoyable. In fact, our friend Dr. Kim  dentist Lexington KY, suggests using a regular kitchen timer or ask your youngster to brush for the duration of a few songs you sing or play.
  • When your kid participates in sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard.
  • Finally, go to the dentist regularly.

Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry To Schedule a Cleaning For Your Child

Does your child need a cleaning? Contact our office today to get on the schedule! Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson would love to meet you and your family if you’re looking for a pleasant, professional pediatric dentist in West Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, or Centennial. At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we make dental appointments enjoyable for children because we understand how vital it is for them to have positive associations with the dentist. Our cheerful, active pediatric dentistry team will make your appointment a breeze and ensure that you and your child depart with a grin.

Halloween Dental Health Tips

Dental Health Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Halloween Dental Health Tips

Halloween Dental Health Tips in 2021

It’s that time of year again! At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we love to celebrate Halloween just like the kids do. From the hilarious and spooky costumes to the festive Halloween decorations, parties, and going trick or treating of course. However, with all of this fun comes an influx of candy and other sweet treats. Halloween fun can soon turn into a scary dental emergency. The good news is that as your favorite dentist in Colorado Springs, we have found ample opportunities to turn that decay train right around and get back on track to good oral health. Our team at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry has some great Halloween dental health tips to ensure everyone enjoys the holiday.

Fill Those Hungry Bellies

It doesn’t matter how young or young at heart we are. If we’re hungry, we will typically choose something quick and easy. Sometimes this is a less than healthy choice. Even our best dentist in Colorado Springs is guilty of occasionally reaching for the less than healthy option! Enjoying a healthy meal right before going out trick or treating, or before going to enjoy other Halloween festivities, can make it less likely that candy and other sugary treats will be consumed in large quantities. 

If you’re hosting a small celebration, be sure to offer healthier alternatives to candy and other treats that could be considered less than healthy. Even fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers can be a good alternative.

If you have sugar-free sweet treats to set out at a party, Colorado Springs dentists will give a thumbs up to this healthier alternative.

Let the Kids Pick Out Their Favorite Halloween Treats

Everyone should be able to enjoy their Halloween. Depriving your children of the trick or treating experience and their haul’s enjoyment can make it much more likely that they will sneak more when you’re not looking. This could result in late-night snacking and un-brushed teeth. 

As a family dentist in Colorado Springs, we know that this is a truly spooky thought! Imagine, teeth going without brushing before bed, after those sticky, sugary treats… Moderation and balance is the key to a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. This also offers the opportunity to explain to your kids just how important it is to find that balance particularly, as it relates to limiting sugar due to the increased risk of cavities.

Allow your children to go through their Halloween candy haul and pick out their favorites. Dr. Beth Herko, a family dentist in New Providence, NJ recommends offering a candy exchange for a book or toy that you know they’ll love! You could also donate the candy that they don’t keep.

Skip any of those sticky and chewy sweet treats like gummies or caramels and even Tootsie Rolls. They can prove difficult to remove from teeth, and the stickiness causes them to linger on teeth. Be sure to avoid sour sweets, if possible. They are known for being incredibly acidic, leading to damage to tooth enamel and the potential for decay. As your dentist in Colorado Springs, we’ve seen our fair share of decay due to these treats. It’s even scarier than that zombie hanging on your front door!

Establish a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

There’s no better time than Halloween to encourage and establish an oral hygiene routine that will last a lifetime. Brushing and flossing is an essential part of maintaining oral wellness at any age. Your children should be brushing their teeth about 30 minutes after enjoying sugary treats, and of course, when they first wake up and before they turn in for the night.

Ensure that they are using a fluoride toothpaste and a mouthwash that has been made for children. This will encourage them to take better care of their teeth. A good oral hygiene routine is to visit your dentist in Colorado Springs for checkups and cleanings. Preventative dentistry is key, Dr. Boals says!

Parents and kids often ask what they can do to make brushing more of a routine. We like to think that the trick to avoid cavities is to make brushing and flossing fun. Let your kids pick out their toothbrushes. Perhaps a spinning brush with a favorite superhero on it. Let them pick out their favorite flavor in toothpaste. The more involved your children are with their dental wellness, the more they will take ownership of their teeth.

You can trust Kissing Camels Family Dentistry when you need dental services in Colorado Springs, CO. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see all of our spooky updates!

 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Children’s Dental Health Month 2021

Children’s Dental Health Month - Colorado Springs Dentist

Children’s Dental Health Month 2021

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry we’ll be celebrating all month long! Whether you’re in Garden of the Gods, West Colorado Springs, Centennial, or Fillmore, we invite you to celebrate with our children’s dentist Colorado Springs and schedule an appointment for your little one today.

Between pediatric appointments, it’s important to keep up with your child’s oral hygiene to ensure that their mouth stays healthy and strong.  Here are a few of our best oral hygiene tips for kids to help your family avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions:

1. Make Sure They’re Brushing Properly

Proper brushing is critical for your child’s oral health. Children typically have enough dexterity to brush their own teeth around age six. However, you should still supervise to make sure they’re brushing properly. Keep an eye out to make sure they are:

  • Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth
  • Brushing in short, tooth-wide strokes
  • Starting with the outside of the teeth, then the inside of the teeth, and finish with the chewing surfaces
  • Brushing for at least two minutes, twice per day. The morning and evening are best.
  • Flossing once per day. You’ll have to floss for your child until they’re about 10, or are coordinated enough to do it yourself.

2. Lead By Example

The best way to get your kids to follow your oral hygiene tips is to lead by example! Make sure that you brush properly and floss once per day. When your kids see you taking care of your teeth, they’ll be more likely to do the same. And, as a bonus, if you make brushing a family activity, it will be easier to keep an eye on your kids to make sure they’re brushing the way they’re supposed to.

3. Drink More Water (And Avoid Soda And Juice)

Drinking more water will help your kids maintain a healthy mouth, particularly if it’s tap water or bottled water that includes fluoride. Water helps rinse away food debris and bacteria, and it also helps maintain a proper pH balance in the mouth says Georgetown KY dentist, Dr. Kristina Neda. Steer clear of excessive soda and juice consumption. Too much sugar and acid are one of the main reasons that children are more prone to cavities.

4. Consider Dental Sealants Or Fluoride Treatments

If your child is cavity-prone, fluoride treatments or dental sealants can help protect their smile. Fluoride treatments use a high concentration of fluoride, which Dr. Boals “paints” onto your child’s teeth. The fluoride helps remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel that has been softened due to decay.

Dental sealants can also help prevent cavities. Dr. Boals will coat your child’s rear molars with a special resin that will harden into a barrier and prevent bacteria from forming on your child’s teeth.

5. Don’t Forget About Six-Month Oral Exams And Teeth Cleanings

Come into Kissing Camels Family Dentistry every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning. This advice applies to parents, too! A regular oral exam and teeth cleaning is the best way to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other complications for patients of all ages.

Schedule Your Appointment Today – Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month!

There’s no better time to schedule a preventive dentistry appointment at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. Whether you need a pediatric appointment for your child or you’re overdue for an exam, get in touch right away! You can reach us at (719) 301-6604 for an appointment, or come by our office near Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, and Mountain Shadows at 3470 Centennial Blvd, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, Co 80907.