National Children's Dental Health Month - #NCDHM
Good oral health is especially important for children, which is why the American Dental Association spends the month of February providing additional resources and information for parents, teachers, healthcare providers and others related to dental health and children. For February 2017, the theme of #NCDHM is "Choose Tap Water for A Sparkling Smile."
Why tap water, you ask?
Children consume juice, sodas and other beverages throughout their day that include added sugar. These sugary beverages can contribute to dental issues such as cavities. The healthiest beverages are those that don't contain any sugar or additional sweetener - like tap water!
More than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride's cavity protection.
Other children's oral health tips from the American Dental Association include:
Protect your smile with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and floss. Brush two minutes twice a day and clean between your teeth at least once per day.
Choose fruits and vegetables for healthy snacks between meals.
Make dental hygiene a fun activity by creating a calendar and letting your child mark off the times he or she brushes.
MouthHealthyKids.org has activities and games to help kids learn the importance of good oral health care ? all while having fun. Kids can play games, watch videos and take fun educational quizzes.
