The Importance of Good Dental Health
February is Children’s Dental Health Month
February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and the New Mexico Department of Health is encouraging parents to help their children develop good oral health habits at an early age.
"Prevention is key to healthy teeth and gums," said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. "Parents can help protect their children's smiles by practicing good oral health care by eating healthy foods, brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily and seeing a dentist for regular checkups. Good oral health is essential to overall health.”
The same practices for children are also applicable for adults.
Governor Susana Martinez has become an “Oral Health Champion” by proclaiming February as Children’s Oral Health Month in New Mexico. The Children's Oral Health Month Proclamation is available for viewing online.
Nationwide, nearly one in four children under age five has cavities, according to the American Dental Association.
The Department of Health’s Office of Oral Health contracts with dental providers throughout the state to provide preventive and treatment services to low income and uninsured New Mexicans. The services include dental sealants, fluoride varnish and treating dental diseases.
To reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay, the Department of Health recommends:
- Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits.
- Limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
- Monitor beverage consumption – Instead of soft drinks all day, children should also choose water and low-fat milk.
- Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.
- If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless – Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow which helps remove food particles and reduces decay-producing acid.
- Schedule regular dental visits.
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