February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is meant to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

Why is this SO important?

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. The good news is…there are safe and effective preventive measures that can protect teeth in children.

When should your kids see a dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday.

Here are a few healthy tips:

It is never too early to start cleaning your baby’s gums. Damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria.
Begin brushing your baby’s teeth when you see one coming in with an infant toothbrush.
- Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
- Use fluoride toothpaste that carries the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. (If you are using baby toothpaste without the fluoride, keep it to the same amount because you still want to minimize any toothpaste that is swallowed.)
Once your baby’s teeth touch, you can start flossing in between them.
Around age 2, your child should learn to spit while brushing
Kids ages 3 and up should use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Always supervise kids younger than 6 while brushing, as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.
Make brushing fun!
- Play a “toothbrush song” or play a video.
- Here is our favorite!

Our Family Dental services include a full range of general dental care for children and adults. Adelante Healthcare offers Family Dental at our Mesa, Surprise, Buckeye and Gila Bend health centers. Click here for more information.