February is National Children’s Dental Health month, so what better time to connect with your kids and teach them the importance of oral health? Oral health has been linked to overall health, so it’s important to take care of your mouth in order to maintain overall wellness.
Oral health care should begin the second your baby sprouts his first tooth and continue through adulthood. Starting at a young age instills a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. Establishing an early oral healthcare routine will also help your child avoid developing a fear of the dentist because he will be familiar and comfortable with oral healthcare.
So how can you teach your children about oral healthcare and impress upon them its importance?
Here is a list of resources we’ve compiled for you to reference when teaching your kids about dental health care and its importance:
Cavity-Free at Three – The first thing to do is educate yourself on children’s oral-health needs. This site offers tons of videos, research and information to answer any questions you might have.
American Dental Association: National Children’s Dental Health Month – This website has a bunch of cute posters and activities to trick your kids into learning about dental health while having fun. You can print out the coloring pages and keep them in your purse to entertain your kids in restaurants or waiting rooms.
Oral Health Educational Resources – If you are a teacher or a homeschooler, you can use these valuable resources to hang around your classroom and incorporate into lesson plans.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research – The NIDCR has got some great oral-health information and videos on how to take care of your baby’s oral-health needs. This site is a must for any new or expecting parents!
American Academy of Pediatrics – This site has tons of great overall health tips for children, but they also have a section of the site that is broken down into “Ages & Stages” so you can target the needs of children at a specific age.
With so many free online resources at your fingertips, it’s easy to teach your children the facts and implant valuable knowledge and healthy habits that will help them live a healthier life.
If you would like more information on children’s oral health, or if you need to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or contact ushere.
