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Create Healthy Smiles for Kids that Last!

Neighborhood Dental by Neighborhood Dental

Collage of children who are patients at Neighborhood Dental

If you haven’t heard yet, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month with us!

Each February, the American Dental Association… This text opens a new tab to the ADA website… (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and helps set good dental habits as your child grows.

Our team of professionals at Neighborhood Dental is here to help you grow knowledge of how to best prepare your little ones for strong, healthy teeth.

Let’s get started!

Keeping your child’s smile clean

Encourage your child to have a regular oral routine.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time and flossing once a day to ensure the teeth and gums remain healthy.

Parents, did you know that you should replace your child’s toothbrush every three months or less?

Over time, bacteria and germs will build up, and the bristles will be worn down. Worn-out bristles tend to be more abrasive on your child’s gums and are harder to get in those hard-to-get spaces. Regular visits to a local dentist in Sioux Falls, SD are very important also.

Healthy diet = healthy teeth

The foods your child chooses and how often they eat them can affect not only their general health but the health of their teeth and gums too.

If your child consumes too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, or non-nutritious snacks, they could be at risk for tooth decay.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, contributing to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Plaque bacteria use sugar from juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks to make acid that attacks your child’s enamel, ultimately forming cavities.

Encourage your child to drink lots of water as it has many benefits:

  • Strengthens their teeth
  • Washes away any bacteria or excess food
  • Fights against dry mouth

Be sure your child eats a healthy diet and finds healthier alternatives to sip on for good dental health.

Protecting your child’s teeth

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your child’s teeth.

Sealants are essentially “raincoats” for your child’s teeth. They’re a thin plastic material that applies to the chewing surfaces, which helps protect teeth from plaque and acid attacks.

Once a sealant is intact, the sealed surface will be protected from decay.

Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars.

Plan your child’s regular appointments

A common question parents ask is, “How soon should I take my child to the dentist in Yankton?”

According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentists… This text opens a new tab to the AAPD website…, it’s recommended that children go in for their first oral health checkup within six months of their first tooth and no later than their first birthday.

Although it may seem early, this first visit is essential to ensure your child doesn’t have any signs of gum or tooth decay and that their teeth are erupting and developing properly.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests children visit their dentist every six months to ensure that they’re keeping their mouth as clean as possible!

Looking for a family dentist in South Dakota?

Neighborhood Dental is always welcoming new patients of all ages. We have seven convenient office locations throughout South Dakota, including Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Beresford, Tea, and Yankton.

Throughout the month of February, our practices will be celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month by offering:

  • Our favorite crafts
  • Teaching aids
  • Activities
  • Giveaways

Our goal is to help your family form healthy habits that last.

What are you waiting for?

If you’d like to discuss your child’s oral health or are ready to make an appointment, call, text, or book online today. We’d love to care for your child’s smile!

Schedule an Appointment

Or contact your nearest Neighborhood Dental:

 

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