Let the ‘Sugar Wars’ Begin!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and this year’s theme is: Sugar Wars. Our Sugar Land dental practice for children is joining in the fun, and invites all of our pediatric patients and their parents to use their toothbrushes in the battle, and prevent the sweet tooth invaders from invading their mouths. 

A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Not Far Away…

Dental professionals have been fighting the battle against sugar for decades, and in 1941, local dental professionals in Cleveland, Ohio began a one day event to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood dental health. The event was so successful that when the American Dental Health Association got word of the event in 1949, they declared February 8 as the first nationally observed children’s dental health day.

With continued success each year, the event was extended to one week in 1955, and later, the entire month of February became known as National Children’s Dental Health month. To raise awareness in their communities, dental professionals, teachers, parents and other community officials sponsor coloring contests, office tours, health fairs and more to continue to help children understand the importance of establishing a proper oral hygiene routine.

Sugar Wars Episode I

Though brushing and flossing are important to the overall health of a child’s smile, that alone is not enough. That is why the American Dental Association deemed this years theme as ‘Sugar Wars,’ to emphasize the importance of a healthy diet to give yourself a smile that is ‘out of this world.’

Along with brushing and flossing, the ADA has given these guidelines to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay:

●        Ditch the bottle at bedtime. Sending your child to bed with a bottle or a sippy cup actually increases their chances for early tooth decay as the prolonged exposure to milk, formula and juices forms additional bacteria. Instead of having your child finish their bottle in bed, have them finish it before lying down, and brush their teeth when they are done.

●        Fight the Snack Attack: Stock your pantry with healthy low sugar options so that when a case of the munchies arises, you are well prepared.

●        Think About Your Child’s Drinks: Juice and milk are fun once in awhile, but the sugar content adds up fast! When reaching to fill your child’s glass, consider the benefits of water-especially if you live in an area where it is treated with fluoride.

●        Live by the 2X2 Rule: Brushing for two minutes, two times a day will help your kids develop a strong oral health routine at an early age.

●        Ask your Pediatric Dentist in Sugar Land, Texas to Help You Win the Sugar Wars. Sticking to a regular cleaning and exam schedule allows your dentist to be on your side in the fight against sugar. 

Our Sugar Land dental practice for children is excited to participate in Sugar Wars and in teaching your kids to swat away the sweets with proper oral hygiene habits. To learn more about how you can fight the sugar wars, schedule an appointment with our office today!