As soon as most of you are over the shock of seeing “2008” at the top of your calendars, you are already well into the month of February. This month could be associated with Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction on Groundhog’s Day or equated with the celebration to commemorate our forefathers on President’s Day, but most often February is the month where we salivate over large heart-shaped boxes filled with sugary-sweet delights. Everyone is familiar with February’s most decadent holiday, and I must admit that Valentine’s Day enlivens me with thoughts of brightly wrapped cherry cordials, my personal favorite of all chocolates. As a dentist, however, I believe that February offers another important occasion to mark on the calendar - Pediatric Dental Awareness Month.

Pediatric Dental Awareness Month is an important annual opportunity for the dental community to promote dental hygiene and explain the importance of good oral health to both you and your children.

As parents, it is important to instill from birth good dental habits in your children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry promotes using a moist washcloth to cleanse your infant’s mouth even before his or her teeth appear. When your baby’s first tooth comes in, at about 6-8 months of age, it is essential to transition to a toothbrush made for infants and begin brushing twice a day.

As your child grows, simply look for the toothbrush that corresponds to his or her age. When allowing children to take on the responsibility of brushing their own teeth, it is necessary to monitor brushing habits, as they often forget or may not have developed the dexterity to brush molars and the area of the tooth closest to the gums. It is also vital to help them floss between teeth, as cavities often form in these areas. Pediatric flossers are a great tool for completing this job.

In my practice I reinforce good brushing habits by making the process fun. There are a variety of toothbrushes that have your child’s favorite cartoon characters or sing to them as they brush. Toothpastes come in an assortment of kid-friendly flavors, and using plaque staining solutions help show your child where he or she needs to brush better.

I have also found that it is equally important to review a child’s diet with a parent during a dental visit. It is very common to hear that infants have sodas like Mountain Dew in their bottles, and that toddlers are drinking sweet tea in their “sippy” cups. Children do not know how to make healthy choices unless we teach them. Limiting sweets in a child’s diet is not only good for oral health, but it prevents childhood obesity. I stress giving children milk and water to drink during the day, and that if they are given juice, the serving should be restricted to one cup during a meal rather than all day long. I also encourage parents to educate their children’s babysitters and any extended family members who watch their children during the day to limit sugary snacks and drinks. Finally, if you want to indulge your child in the occasional sweet, have them brush their teeth afterwards.

There are many helpful tips your family dentist can give you, so please take advantage of our knowledge and expertise. I would encourage parents to bring their child into a dental office for his or her first examination as early as six months of age, and definitely no later than three. At this time, your dentist can create an easy and fun first visit with prizes and positive reinforcement. It also allows us to screen for any cavities and/or developmental problems.

You don’t want to wait until you begin to see black stains appearing on your child’s teeth before you get him or her the necessary attention. If you do begin to notice this, I encourage you to make an appointment, so these cavities can be fixed while they are still small. Another benefit of an early dental visit is the use of preventative measures such as sealants, which seal the grooves of molars that the toothbrush bristles may not clean as effectively.

Baby teeth serve a very important purpose and should not be taken for granted. Losing these teeth prematurely can affect your child’s speech, ability to eat, space maintenance for their adult teeth, and most of all their self-esteem. Cavities in baby teeth are painful, and should be taken care of quickly. It is important to set a good example now, so that your children will carry these good habits with them throughout life.