{"id":50,"date":"2017-02-01T16:17:57","date_gmt":"2017-02-01T16:17:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.schaffelddental.com\/blog\/?p=50"},"modified":"2020-07-28T20:00:37","modified_gmt":"2020-07-28T20:00:37","slug":"childrens-dental-health-month-tips-from-your-dentist-in-enterprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schaffelddental.com\/blog\/childrens-dental-health-month-tips-from-your-dentist-in-enterprise\/","title":{"rendered":"Children\u2019s Dental Health Month Tips From Your Dentist In Enterprise"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"YourFebruary is National Children\u2019s Dental Health Month. It\u2019s the perfect time to teach kids how to brush, floss and eat right. Also, be sure check in with Dr. Tyler Schaffeld<\/a>, your dentist in Enterprise. He offers the preventive and restorative services your children need,\u00a0 and he has a lot to say about taking care of young smiles.<\/p>\n

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Defeat The Plaque Monster<\/h2>\n

One of the themes of\u00a0National Children\u2019s Dental Health Month <\/a>is \u201cDefeat Monster Mouth.\u201d The American Dental Association (ADA) is partnering with dentists, schools and of course, parents, across the country to defeat one of the biggest enemies of kids\u2019 oral health: plaque.<\/p>\n

What is plaque? Plaque<\/a> is that sticky biofilm that collects on and between teeth and at the gum line. It attacks the oral health of both children and adults, causing cavities and gum disease because of the bacteria it contains.<\/p>\n

The ADA calls plaque a \u201cmonster\u201d because the corrosive acids it secretes lead to destructive tooth decay and gum disease. Left untreated, these oral health conditions lead to tooth loss.<\/p>\n

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How Can I Protect My Child’s Smile?<\/h2>\n

Your children\u2019s dentist in Enterprise says caring for oral health begins at home as parents teach youngsters dental hygiene habits early on–as soon as that first baby tooth erupts around age six to eight months. Mom or Dad should use a moistened 4×4 or clean washcloth to wipe out baby\u2019s mouth after each feeding. Restrict bedtime bottle feedings to avoid destructive baby bottle tooth decay.<\/p>\n

As the child grows, so does the oral care routine, adding brushing with non-fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush when the first baby tooth erupts. And, regarding that first tooth, it signals it\u2019s time for your little one\u2019s first trip to Dr. Schaffeld\u2019s office. The dentist will look in baby\u2019s mouth, count teeth and help him or her feel relaxed in the treatment room.<\/p>\n

Then, as more teeth emerge, help your child to brush for two minutes two times a day and to floss daily, too. By age eight or so, most kids can brush and floss independently but need Mom or Dad to check their work until age ten.<\/p>\n

At the dental office, oral exams check for decay and gum disease, correct tooth alignment,\u00a0 proper bite and signs of bruxism, or tooth grinding. Dr. Schaffeld takes digital X-rays as needed and often uses plastic sealants on back molars and simple fluoride treatments to ward off decay.<\/p>\n

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What Else Can I Do As A Parent?<\/h2>\n

Parents, now is the time to model good eating habits for your children. A tooth-friendly diet includes:<\/p>\n