HEALTH
2 MINUTES , 2 TIMES A DAY
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you brush your children ’ s teeth for two minutes in the morning after breakfast and two minutes just before bed . All children should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste , a smear for children younger than 2 , and a pea sized amount for those who are 2 and older . Parents should assist with brushing until around age 9 or 10 .
FLOSS DAILY
Begin to floss as soon as your child ’ s teeth touch each other , or when all of the baby teeth come in .
+
Dr . Allison Green , Pediatric Dentist , Diplomate , American Board of Pediatric Dentistry , is a member of the team at Mt . Airy Children ’ s Dental Associates , 602 Center St , Mt . Airy . Find out more about the practice online at mtairysmiles . com or call 301-829-6588 .
HEALTHY DIET / LIMIT SUGAR
Limit juices , sodas and energy drinks . Encourage children to drink mostly water and plain white milk . Limit snacking and eat a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of whole grains , vegetables , fruits and lean meats . Good snacks include dairy , peanut butter and fruit . Poor snacks for dental health include fruit snacks , candy and raisins .
ESTABLISH A DENTAL HOME
An infant oral health exam should be done before a child ’ s first birthday . This first dental exam establishes a relationship with a dentist to guide you in the proper care for each individual child and be a friendly face in case of a dental emergency . The earlier the first dental visit , the better the chance of preventing dental disease and helping your child build a cavity-free smile .
REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS
Everyone should have regular dental checkups every six months . Regular dental examinations can help catch pathology early , making treatment easier , less invasive and less costly .
Children with healthy mouths can chew more easily and gain more nutrients from the foods they eat . They learn to speak more quickly and clearly . They have a better chance of better general health , because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body .
Let ’ s all focus on the oral health of our children to start the year off right .
Let ’ s all focus on the oral health of our children to start the year off right . And just maybe some of the healthy resolutions will trickle our way also .
Photos courtesy of iStock
WINTER 2016 | FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE 39