Did You Know That Tooth Decay Is the Most Common Chronic Illness in Kids?
Tooth decay.
We don't often think much about it until our teeth start to hurt, and by that time, the damage has been done, and you'll likely need to have a cavity filled. Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic illness in our children? It's true! The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has released a report that shows tooth decay is even more common than asthma among our kids. What's even more important to know is that most cases of tooth decay and cavities can be prevented, and here's how:
A Good Home Care Routine
Older kids tend to have questionable habits when it comes to their brushing and flossing routine, yet this is the best way to prevent cavities. Your child should be brushing twice per day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once per day.
It's a good idea for parents to check in with their child and even monitor their hygiene habits to ensure they're brushing properly. Parents may even want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush to help do the hard work as well as timing your child's brushing session.
Routine Dental Visits
Children should see their dentist every six months, just like adults. These visits are important for catching issues such as tooth decay or gum disease in their earliest phases, which allows for less invasive and costly treatment. And yes – your child could develop gum disease, which is an infection of the tissues and bone surrounding your teeth that usually results from poor oral hygiene.
At Monroe Dental Arts, we're here to partner with you and your child to ensure that they understand the importance of their oral health and the impact that it has on their overall health. We also want to create positive experiences at the dental office for your child so they look forward to future visits.
Don't let tooth decay affect your child's oral health when it can easily be prevented with Monroe Township, NJ dental care. Call us today to schedule their next appointment.
