Health Equity

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Dental care is an important part of your overall health. Make sure you go to regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy. During your appointments, the dentist can find any cavities early and treat them. Early treatment prevents them from getting worse.

A dental visit should include a professional cleaning. A yearly cleaning at your dentist’s office helps prevent gum disease and other serious dental issues.

Benefits of adult dental visits are:

• Dentists can check for mouth cancer. Early detection can make all the difference.
• Dental hygienists focus on preventive dental health and treating gum disease. They also show you how to care for your teeth at home and how to help to keep teeth and gums healthy.
• Dentists can provide specific help and advice to your needs.

Encouraging children to have good dental habits has lifelong benefits. They can help prevent cavities and improve overall health outcomes. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases during childhood and can be harmful to children’s overall health.

Parents and guardians can follow the following advice for good oral hygiene:

For Babies:

• Begin dental hygiene as soon as possible. Before teeth even appear, a baby’s mouth should be cleaned twice a day – after first feeding and before bed – by wiping the gums with a clean washcloth to remove bacteria and sugar. Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk. Milk or juices can pool around teeth and cause severe decay.
• Brush regularly. Once teeth come in, a baby’s teeth should be brushed twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Talk to a dentist or pediatrician about using fluoride-based toothpaste and receiving a fluoride application on a baby’s teeth.
• Go to the dentist. By the baby’s first birthday, they should visit with a dentist to spot any potential problems.

For Children:

• Brush twice a day. Encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day – in the morning and right before bed – using fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush properly and don’t forget your tongue. Poor brushing can be just as bad as not brushing at all. Children should take their time and use gentle, circular motions as well as gently brush their tongue.
• Don’t forget to floss. Flossing once a day is a great way to stimulate the gums and reduce plaque.
• Consider using mouthwash. Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas, and strengthen the teeth. A dentist can provide specific mouthwash recommendations for children.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Children should see the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. The dentist can help remove plaque and look for cavities, and spot for potential oral health issues.

For more information and resources about children’s dental health, click here.

Schedule your dental appointment today! If you need help finding a dentist, please click here.