February is Children's Dental Health Month and the ideal time to give parents and kids a brush-up on the importance of good oral care habits. Oral health can have a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of kids: more than 51 million school hours are missed each year due to oral health problems and over 50 percent of 5- to 9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
Oral health means more than healthy teeth; it can affect self-esteem, ability to eat, how we look, the way we communicate and the way we feel about ourselves. Crest Healthy Smiles 2010, a program designed to improve the oral health of 50 million children and their families by 2010, offers the following checklist to help improve oral health, prevent disease and achieve a healthy smile.
Do you brush twice a day?
Kids and adults should brush twice a day to maintain good oral health. Start by cleaning the outer surfaces of each tooth and work your way to the inside, tops and bottoms of your teeth. Try setting up a "reward" system for when kids remember to brush without your prodding-maybe a sticker on the mirror or make bedtime 10 minutes later once per week.
Do you use the right tools?
Using the right toothbrush is vital to oral care. The Crest(R) SpinBrush(TM) for Kids cleans better than an ordinary toothbrush-and the fun styles and colors make brushing fun so kids brush without the prodding. The Crest SpinBrush is an easy-to-use, battery-powered toothbrush that gives families the power of an electric toothbrush for around the same price as a manual toothbrush (available at a suggested retail price of $5.99). It is the only patented brush to combine stationary and oscillating bristles, and it effectively cleans, polishes and removes plaque from teeth.
Do you floss?
Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and flossing gets it from between the teeth and along the gum line. Flossing before brushing loosens the plaque and debris, which allows it to be brushed away easily. Parents can help younger children who don't have the dexterity to do it themselves. Talk to your dentist about the right time to start kids flossing.
Do you see your dentist regularly?
Visit your dentist every six months, or as recommended by your dental healthcare professional. Talk to your kids about what will happen at the dentist to alleviate any fears about the unknown. An older sibling can also help first-timers feel more comfortable about visiting the dentist. Ideally, children should visit a dentist by their first birthday.
Do you eat nutritious foods?
Remember to include healthy foods in your family's diet to ensure strong teeth. Foods rich in calcium, such as milk and cheese are great options during any meal. Also, remember to have healthy snacks like carrots and apples for after school rather than sticky, sugary foods that can stay on teeth and lead to cavities.
The Crest Healthy Smiles 2010 program was designed to help improve the state of oral health in America by providing education, oral care tools and increased access to dental professionals to underserved children and families across the country. Prompted by the Surgeon General's 2000 report addressing the disparity of oral health in America, Crest Healthy Smiles 2010 combines the passionate vision of Crest with national and local non-profit partners and leading dental professionals to help provide healthy smiles to children nationwide. Driven by the principle that oral health is integral to overall health, Crest Healthy Smiles 2010 will empower local communities with programs that will affect change in the oral health of children and families in need.
A trusted leader in oral health, Crest was the first oral care brand to secure the ADA seal of approval on fluoride toothpaste, a major preventer of cavities. Since first introducing Fluoride toothpaste 40 years ago, it is estimated that Crest has helped prevent more than half a billion cavities in the United States. In addition, through its schools program, Crest has helped more than 100 million kids learn how to take care of their teeth.
For more information on Crest Healthy Smiles 2010, call (877) 289-6322 or log onto www.cresthealthysmiles2010.com for more information on proper oral care. Learn more about Crest SpinBrush at http://www.spinbrush.com.
