Shannon DentalCare Celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month

Each year the American Dental Association and its local dental societies highlight children’s dental health in February. The goal is to focus attention on the importance of developing good dental health habits early in life. Dentists and their staffs across the nation emphasize the value of regular dental check-ups, good home dental care, and proper nutrition to ensure that our children get started right in taking care of their teeth and gums.

At Shannon DentalCare we are doing our part by going to local schools and sharing information with the children about dental health. This year we have visited with approximately 600 students at Slaughter, McNeil, and Our Savior Lutheran Elementary Schools to talk about the importance of taking good care of our teeth. The children get to go along with Dudley the Dinosaur for his first dental check-up in a video that shows what happens on a visit to the dental office. We also talk about brushing, flossing, and good nutritional choices. The teachers receive lesson plans on dental health to share with their students. Each child also receives a gift bag with a new toothbrush and toothpaste along with dental information to take home to their parents.

Our dental team has been involved in school visitations for several years. We find that many of these students have yet to have their first dental visit. It gives us an opportunity to remind them and their parents that good dental health starts early. Children need to brush and care for their mouths beginning with that first tooth. We recommend they have their first check-up by 4 to 5 years of age.

We know that children learn by example. If you or your child is due for a check-up, don’t put it off. Many dental problems are “silent” in the early stages of development. Small cavities, for example, are rarely noticeable without proper dental evaluation – waiting until a tooth becomes sensitive often means the problem has reached a critical stage with the risk of serious infection.

We invite you to contact our office at (972) 562-7999 for assistance with your dental health needs.