Dental Tips from 6 Day Dental and Orthodontics in Conjunction with National Dental Health Month

Feb. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- A special time first recognized in 1941, February is National Dental Health month and Dr. John Bond, founder of 6 Day Dental and Orthodontics, would like to take the opportunity to offer some important dental points and reminders, some of which people might not think about:

Tip: Something very important for parents to know is a recent survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows children between the ages of two and five are more likely to have tooth decay now than in the past. Good care of a child’s teeth from primary teeth to adult teeth is very important.

Tip: Poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis. Teeth are the only non-shedding surface in the body, which suggests teeth have the highest bacterial levels in the entire body.

Tip: Why are baby teeth important? They help children chew food, they help children speak and develop speech correctly and they guide permanent teeth into place. Starting to teach good oral health care when children are very young is also good because it becomes a life-long habit for them.

Tip: Brush and floss every day. Children should brush at least twice a day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that a toothbrush cannot reach. Even children as young as three or four months should begin having their teeth brushed regularly.

Tip: Visit the dentist regularly. Families should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

Tip: Wear a mouth guard while playing sports because it greatly reduces the chance of injury to the mouth and teeth. Athletes are 60% more likely to have an injury of the mouth if they are not wearing a mouth guard, and 80% of injuries involve the front teeth and soft tissues such as the tongue.

Tip: Replace your toothbrush regularly. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. You should use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

Tip: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age seven. An orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

About 6 Day Dental
6 Day Dental and Orthodontics® is a family dental practice offering one-stop care at five chic locations in Allen, Coppell, Flower Mound, Plano/Frisco and Roanoke/Keller. An attractive alternative for families, 6 Day Dental and Orthodontics® offers full-service dental care, including Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Periodontics at each location. Unique features include amenities like a free videogame room, as well as patient-focused customer service and scheduling, including appointments and services offered six days a week. More information is online at www.6daydental.com.