FOR RELEASE: February 2, 2006
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

Smile…February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

The theme of this year’s National Children’s Dental Health Month observance, “A Healthy Smile is Something to Cheer,” emphasizes the importance of dental care, public health education, and prevention to help keep children’s smiles beautiful now and for years to come.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health, state and local dental societies, dental alliances, and county health departments use the month of February to spend extra time educating both children and parents about the importance of good oral health. Public health officials said attitudes and habits regarding oral health formed by children at an early age are critical to maintaining a good smile and good health for a lifetime.

Explaining the methods dentists use to prevent tooth decay is part of the prevention focus during this special month. One such method is making sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. You can check with your city water system to see if your drinking water is fluoridated. If it is not fluoridated, then you should ask your dentist or physician how to provide needed fluoride.

U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona has stated “Fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime, for both children and adults.” Dental professionals have recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of water fluoridation in America, and water systems that are not providing optimally fluoridated water should be encouraged to do so.

Dental health tips for parents and caregivers:

• Take your child to see the dentist every six months, beginning by the child’s first birthday.
• Put only water in a child’s naptime or bedtime bottle.
• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.
• Begin flossing when two teeth begin to touch.
• Brush and floss your child’s teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone. (A child normally develops manual dexterity to brush and floss by themselves about the third grade.)
• Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. Ask your physician or dentist how this should be done.
• Ask about dental sealants. A sealant is a protective barrier that shields the chewing surfaces of back teeth against tooth decay.
• Your child should use a mouth guard (mouth protector) when playing contact sports.
• Make sure your child does not use any form of tobacco.
• Your child should not participate in tongue or lip piercing.

For more information about dental health care, contact a county health department near you or a local dentist.

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