While 50 years ago, parents were advised that brushing three times a day was the key to healthy teeth, it takes more than the tooth fairy and brushing after every meal to help children ensure a healthy smile. Today, caring for the teeth is so much more than brushing -- dentists advocate for a child's overall good oral health in areas that encompass:
February is Children's Dental Health Month and the ideal time to give parents and kids a brush-up on the importance of good oral care habits. Oral health can have a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of kids: more than 51 million school hours are missed each year due to oral health problems and over 50 percent of 5- to 9-year-old children have at least one cavity or filling, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
