From the Nurses Corner

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) turns 61 this year. Each February, since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.  NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.

“Remember to Brush and Floss Everyday” is this year’s theme for National Dental Health Month.  Three of the most important habits parents can encourage in their children for a lifetime of healthy smiles are:

1.     Brush teeth twice a day

·         Introduce brushing by the age of two

·         Flossing teeth is important to dental health

2.     Visit the dentist every 6 months to ensure good oral health

·         Visit the dentist six months after the eruption of first tooth

·         Tooth decay is still the most common chronic childhood disease, five times as common as asthma with poor oral health resulting in 52 million missed school hours.

·         Tooth decay can occur at any age including in the very young and if left untreated, can      negatively impact a child’s ability to eat, speak, sleep and learn.

3.     Make mouth guards a part of any sport activity

·         5 million teeth are knocked out each year.  Many of these injuries could have been prevented by having a child wear a mouth guard during sports activities.

·         Mouth guards help protect a child’s teeth from being knocked out, chipped or broken and can save a child from needing oral surgery to replace a tooth.  

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

The State of Illinois requires dental exams for ALL children in Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade by May 15th, 2010.  Please send in your dental forms before the deadline. 

Keep Smiling!

Laurie Petersen RN, School Nurse