February what a wonderful month! We celebrate Valentine’s Day, snow days, and Children’s Dental Health Month. Our goal at Dr. Gary Kramer and Dr. Sara Bunin’s pediatric dental office is to help educate parents and patients about the importance of establishing excellent dental health care early on to be proactive in their child’s pediatric oral health needs. Did you know? According to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry more than 50 percent of children will be affected by tooth decay before age 5. We want to help you help your child create a smile that they will be proud of for many years to come.
This year’s campaign is “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile.” The purpose of encouraging patients to drink tap water is to receive the benefits of systemic fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that will assist in the developing permanent dentition to help to strengthen the teeth forming. The fluoride binds to the area of tooth called enamel. Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects it from decay and is the hardest substance in the body.
You can start caring for your baby’s gums after birth by wiping their gums with a washcloth or damp gauze after feedings. This starts to get your child used to oral stimulation and establish good oral cleaning habits early in life. When the child’s first tooth comes in you can use an infant toothbrush to help brush twice a day with water or a non fluoridated toothpaste. Our goal is to make sure that children start using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste at 2 years old. To make it exciting find a fun flavor or design that your child wants to try to encourage them to be motivated about brushing.
If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about their first visit, how to clean their teeth, or about pacifiers and thumbsucking. We encourage you to schedule a visit today to meet with Dr. Gary Kramer or Dr. Sara Bunin who are both board certified Diplomates of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These two exceptional children’s dentists, have been serving the northern Virginia community for over 30 years. They both feel that “children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s growing self esteem.” They will work with you to instill great oral hygiene techniques and make sure your child is excited about going to the dentist for many years to come. At a patient’s first visit, parents and children will learn ways to prevent early childhood cavities, proper brushing and flossing techniques, when to expect changes from the primary and permanent dentition and about nutrition. With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits their goal is to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
Below are Dr. Kramer and Dr. Bunin’s Toothy Tips for National Children’s Dental Health Month:
- Brush for two minutes, 2 times per day. Parents should help, and you can use rewards charts, tooth brushing apps, or an hourglass timer to make brushing more FUN!
- When the gaps between children’s teeth are close start…FLOSSING!
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals and try to eat a healthy diet. Watch sticky, gummy snacks that stay in teeth all day!
- See the dentist regularly for checkups and ask about fluoride and sealants.
- Serve as a good role model for practicing good dental hygiene habits ourselves.
Fillable Brushing Calendar
Coloring Sheet
On the Go! Story and Coloring Sheet
We look forward to seeing you at our office and feel free to review our website at www.kbpediatricsmiles.com or email us at smiles@kbpediatricsmiles.com if you have any questions. Happy Smiles J
