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October is National Dental Hygiene Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM). Sponsored annually by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), NDHM is a month long observance of the importance of proper oral hygiene and recognition of the important role dental hygienists play in this effort.

Specifically this year, ADHA has decided on the topic, "A Healthy Smile Lasts a Lifetime", focusing on proper early childhood oral health care.

With scientific indications pointing to a link between oral health and systemic disease, it is important to establish good oral health routines at a young age so that they can become part of a daily routine as children get older.

Because dental decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, there will be a continued emphasis on the prevention of early childhood caries. Dental hygienists play a key role in the education of parents and children and in the prevention of early childhood caries.

The professionals at Western New York Dental Group believe that it takes teamwork with parents to develop good oral care habits and offer these tips:

Baby bottle tooth decay is the leading cause of decay and tooth loss in very young children. It occurs when a baby is allowed to nurse from a bottle of milk, formula or juice continuously at nap or bed time.

It's important to begin a daily oral care routine for your child before the first tooth appears. After each feeding, wipe your child's gums with a warm wet cloth or small gauze pad to remove excess food and bacteria.

Parents should assist their children in brushing at least once a day to ensure a thorough job. This monitoring should continue throughout childhood.

Have your child brush with a "pea-sized" dot of fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the teeth against decay.

A visit to the dental office twice a year for a cleaning and examination will help prevent future oral disorders and allow the opportunity to ask any questions about the care and development of your child's teeth.

For information on dental health programs, contact Linda Maraszek, Director of Community Relations, at 689-6951.