The staff from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics, in conjunction with the American Dental Association, announces that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.

Theme for National Children’s National Dental Health Month is “Brush, Floss, Smile!”

RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments states, “The theme this year is an important reminder that when teaching children good dental health habits; it’s best to keep to the basics of brushing and flossing to get a healthy and confident smile.”

In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Health Department and its First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona, offer the following oral health tips to start your little ones on their journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Schedule routine check-ups. If it’s been more than six months since your child has seen a dentist, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Clean your baby’s gums daily. Until those teeth come in gently wipe a damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria after each feeding.
Start brushing with the first tooth. Begin brushing your baby’s teeth when you see one coming in with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
Brush twice each day for two minutes. Children ages 2-6 should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always supervise kids younger than six years old while brushing, as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.
Begin flossing. Once your child’s teeth touch, you can start flossing in between them.
Snack healthy! Fruit juice, sports drinks, fruit snacks, and sticky candies all pose serious threats to your child’s teeth. Give kids calcium-rich snacks like cheese or low-sugar yogurt. If you have to resort to candy – a chocolate bar is preferable to gummy or sticky sweets that can get lodged in between the teeth, even after brushing.
Keep them hydrated! Avoid sugary drinks and stick to good old-fashioned water. Water helps to rinse away any sugar or particles that can lead to cavities. Many municipal water sources also contain fluoride, which is recommended by the American Dental Association and U.S. Surgeons General, among others, as an efficient way to prevent tooth decay
Replace your child’s toothbrush every three to four months.