February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which is put on by the American Dental Association (ADA) every year to promote awareness about the oral health and development issues that affect children of all ages. This year, the office of Dr. Brett Blacher will celebrate by sharing a few fun facts about pediatric dental health that you may not know about! Let’s get started.
1: Tooth Decay Is the #1 Most Common Preventable Childhood Disease
You probably know that cavities are pretty common in kids. But did you know that cavities, technically, are the #1 most common preventable childhood disease?
According to the NIH, about 28% of kids between the age of 2-5 have a cavity in a baby tooth, while 51% of kids between the ages of 5-11 have a cavity in a baby tooth. In addition, around 10% of kids aged 6-8 have a cavity in a permanent tooth, and 31% of kids aged 9-11 years have a cavity in a permanent tooth.
The good news is that cavities are completely preventable. With a proper diet, good brushing and flossing habits, and regular visits to the office of Dr. Brett Blacher, your child will be able to avoid cavities as they grow, and keep their smile healthy.
2: Fluoridated Water Prevents 25% of Cavities
Did you know that your tap water contains trace amounts of fluoride? Water fluoridation is one of the most effective public health campaigns of the 20th century. The fluoride in water helps “remineralize” your teeth, and the CDC estimates that water fluoridation prevents up to 25% of cavities that may occur if you do not drink fluoridated water.
So if your kid is thirsty, rethink that bottled water – giving them water right from the tap is likely a better option for their oral health!
3: 72% of Kids Don’t Have Their Teeth Flossed Every Day
Did you know that brushing alone is not enough to prevent cavities and gum disease? Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surfaces of your child’s teeth. To clean away plaque and food debris from the tight spaces between their teeth, you need to use dental floss.
Pediatric dentists recommend that your children have their teeth flossed at least once per day, but a study has shown that 72% of parents say their children’s teeth are not flossed daily.
Until your child is dexterous enough to tie their own shoes, it is important to floss their teeth for them daily. It only takes a minute, and it’s a great way to keep their smiles healthy. Once they have enough coordination to floss on their own, show them how to do it, and make sure they floss once per day!
Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month – Come See Dr. Blacher Today!
If your little one is overdue for a dental checkup, Dr. Brett Blacher is here to help. At our family-friendly office in Lombard, we serve patients of all ages, and we’d be happy to provide your child with the care they need for a healthy mouth. Contact us at (630) 916-0701 to get started, or stop by our office at 450 E 22nd St, #201, Lombard, IL 60148.
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