The American Dental Association has celebrated National Children’s Dental Health Month each February since 1981, so what better time then now to focus on dental care for kids.
In honor of this occasion, our dentists are issuing a challenge to all the children in and around Shorewood, IL. Here it is, for the next month:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Floss your teeth every day
- And drink tap water when you are thirsty
Think you can do it? You can ask your parents to download this worksheet or this one so you can keep track of how you do each day.
Parents, we also hope to see you and your family soon for dental cleanings and exams. To make your appointment, call 815-725-5991 or contact us online.
Why Tap Water?
National Children’s Dental Health Month started with a one-day event in Cleveland, OH, in 1941. As the event spread to other cities, it later became a one-week event, until it became a national month-long campaign.
This year, the ADA is encouraging kids and their families to drink tap water. There are two reasons for this. First, water is a healthier alternative to soft drinks and sports drinks. Water will rehydrate kids (and adults) after a day of being hard at work or hard at play.
Second, many places, including Shorewood, IL, have fluoridated water. Fluoride is a mineral that is good for your teeth in two ways. One, fluoride can strengthen your enamel, and, two, fluoride can help repair minor damage to your enamel.
If you have well water, we recommend having your water tested to find out if it contains fluoride. If not or if your water’s fluoride levels are low, our dentists recommend supplementing your drinking with water that has been treated with fluoride.
Fluoridated water has been used in many communities for 70 years, and it’s helped to reduce cavities by about 25 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
While bottled water is a healthier option than many other choices, many bottled water brands do not have fluoride in them.
More Tips From Your Family Dentists
At Shorewood Dental Care, family dentistry is important to us. Our slogan, “Keep your teeth a lifetime,” reflects our commitment to help our youngest, our oldest patients, and everyone in between.
With that in mind, here are some tips that can help your family keep their mouths as healthy as possible:
– Parents can start their child’s oral health care as early as possible. Before your children’s first teeth erupt, you can wipe their gums with a moist cloth after feedings.
– When the first tooth erupts, you can start brushing it with a child-size toothbrush and a small dab of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
– When your child has two teeth side-by-side, you can begin flossing as well.
– The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to the dentist for his or her first visit after the first tooth erupts or by his or her first birthday.
Seeing as dental care for kids is near and dear to us we try to make first visits as fun as possible. Our hope is this will be the first of many visits to our dentist office in Shorewood, IL.
We encourage you and your family to come to our office for professional dental cleanings a couple times each year. This way, you can feel confident that your family’s teeth are as clean as possible.
It also gives our dental professionals a chance to examine your teeth and your children’s teeth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. If we do spot anything, we want you to know so it can be treated as soon as possible.
Your visits are an opportunity for you as well. If you have questions about your oral care, this is a great time to ask. Our dental professionals are happy to answer them.
If you have not yet scheduled your next appointment, why not do it today? Call 815-725-5991 to plan your next visit.
Complete The Challenge!
We hope every child will take up our challenge.
Again, that means drinking tap water instead of sports drinks and soft drinks when you are thirsty.
That means brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. This gives you plenty of time to scrub your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristled toothbrush and pea-sized squeeze of fluoride toothpaste.
And that means flossing between your teeth once per day. By flossing, you are cleaning the spaces between your teeth and gums that you may not reach with your toothbrush.
Children’s Dentist Near Joliet, Illinois
Our team at Shorewood Dental Care looks forward to seeing you and your smiling faces soon. Parents we are the dental care for kids that you’ve been looking for, just fill out our online form or call 815-725-5991 to schedule your appointment.
