It is a leap year giving us an extra day in February, and another day to talk about National Children’s Dental Health Month sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA). While you may be watching your baby teethe or seeing those first few teeth emerge, just like Mum Mum’s the ADA encourages developing healthy habits at an early age even for teeth.
Every February marks National Children’s Dental Health month, a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of dental health. 
Scheduling regular dental appointments and teaching good dental health habits to kids can provide a great start to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
It may be tough to think past your baby’s current teething woes, but the ADA recommends babies see a dentist within 6 months after the first tooth emerges, or at least by baby’s first birthday. Primary teeth, or what most of us call “baby teeth” help babies speak, chew, and hold a place in the jaw for those future permanent teeth. At a dental equivalent of a ‘well-baby’ visit, the dentist can not only look out for tooth decay but also show you how to properly clean your baby’s teeth.
As the ADA explains, as soon as teeth are present tooth decay can occur. Parents are advised to brush their baby’s teeth, or even tooth, with a child sized toothbrush and water. After 2 years of age, a child’s teeth can be brushed with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste but be sure they spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water when finished.
Mum’s know pregnancy changes everything in your body, and teeth (and gums) are no exception so proper oral health is important for both mom and her baby-to-be during pregnancy. With eating more frequently or perhaps more satisfying a sweet tooth, comes more opportunity for tooth decay. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and flossing after meals, along with your regularly scheduled dental (and doctor) appointments. Visit the American Dental Association website for fun kids’ activities and more information on a variety of oral health topics including pregnancy, teething, and children’s dental health
