February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

0

Our children’s dental health is so important!  And getting our children to create good dental health habits early is key.

dental healthBecause February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, I thought that I would give you some fun facts about dental health AND encourage you to help your children brush their teeth.

The importance of maintain oral health is crucial for your children’s overall health. Did you know students miss 51 million hours of school every year because of their oral health! Students with recent oral health issues are 4 X’s more likely to have a lower point grade average.

Developing good oral habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits help children obtain a
good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends brushing as soon as the first tooth pops up and flossing daily when the teeth contact each other.

I always get asked when should someone take their child to the dentist for the first time. Your child’s first dental visit should be at age 1 or when the first tooth pops up. This is mostly so the Pediatric Dentist can discuss flossing, brushing, and perform an exam on the nature of enamel erupting. Actual professional tooth brushing in the pediatric dental office begins between 2-3 years of age. Regular visits should be every 6 months. So let’s get those kiddos to see the Pediatric Dentist!

FUN DENTAL FACTS:
1. Did you know the average person produces a quart of saliva daily
2. Every day your mouth is home to over 100,000,000 bacteria
3. Tooth enamel is the hardest part of your body (it beats bones)
4. Dental floss was first made in 1882
5. Brushing your tongue is just as important as the teeth

The sooner you start the brushing and flossing routine the better.  And don’t get discouraged.  Making brushing and flossing fun will have a lasting effect on your children and their overall health.  Your children will thank you!

Dr. Joanne Suarez Martinez attended UC Irvine, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology ,UCLA Dental School for her DDS degree, and USC for her Pediatric Dentistry certificate.She belongs to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Society and American Dental Association. As a parent herself, Dr. Suarez Martinez understands the importance of compassion and caring for her precious patients. She currently treats young children and adolescents. She has been practicing in Orange County for 19 years (http://bit.ly/2EYWgsA) and is a native Californian. She is happily married to her husband Zach and has two boys, Zachary and Caleb. Dr. Suarez Martinez enjoys spending time watching her boys play Ice Hockey and traveling.

Previous articleOur Galentine’s Day Guilty Pleasure List – TV Shows, Eats, And More!
Next articleThe Story Of A Disorganized Mom
Joanne Suarez Martinez
Dr. Joanne Suarez Martinez attended UC Irvine, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology ,UCLA Dental School for her DDS degree, and USC for her Pediatric Dentistry certificate.She belongs to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Society and American Dental Association. As a parent herself, Dr. Suarez Martinez understands the importance of compassion and caring for her precious patients. She currently treats young children and adolescents. She has been practicing in Orange County for 19 years (www.underthesea2thdr.com) and is a native Californian. She is happily married to her husband Zach and has two boys, Zachary and Caleb. Dr. Suarez Martinez enjoys spending time watching her boys play Ice Hockey and traveling.