February is Children's Dental Health Month Published Feb. 7, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Brandi Morgan 341st Medical Operations Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- This month is dedicated to educating children and parents on the importance of a child's proper oral hygiene. Many parents are unaware that children's dental care starts at infancy. Keeping the gums clean even before primary teeth start to come in is an important factor in preparing children for good life-long oral care. A soft clean wash cloth can be used to gently wipe gums to clean off debris or plaque from building up. When teeth first come in, some babies may have sore or tender gums (usually between six months and one year.) It is important to have a few things handy to help this process. The American Dental Association recommends gently rubbing a child's gums with a clean finger. A small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing as well. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. Primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Primary teeth help children chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. Starting a regimen even before a child's teeth come in can greatly decrease the risk of decay. As teeth start to come in, brush them gently with a soft, child-size toothbrush and water. Children six months to 2 and a half-year's-old have not yet learned to spit and will swallow too much fluoride if adult toothpaste is used. Taste buds are far too sensitive for a strong minty paste, so it is very important to use infant toothpaste for that age group. For children older than two and a half, brush with a pea-sized amount of children's toothpaste with fluoride daily. Continue to brush a child's teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of children's toothpaste until you're comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own. The ADA recommends to begin flossing teeth daily when the child has two teeth that touch. Learning, practicing and teaching children good oral hygiene habits early will help them maintain good oral health throughout their lifetime.