Good dental care habits are important all year long, but did you know that February is Children’s Dental Health Month? The American Dental Association (ADA) started this project to try to educate the public about the special qualities that affect children's oral healthcare. For instance, did you know that it's just as important to maintain the health of your baby teeth as it is for your permanent teeth? 

There are many qualities that make children's dental care particularly important and nuanced. In honor of February, the dentists at Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati offer some tips for helping your children keep their teeth strong:

• Start Young: Parents should start keeping their children’s mouths clean before the first tooth emerges. Infants’ mouths and gums should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth or brushed gently with a baby toothbrush after feedings. Once teeth begin to grow in, they should be brushed with a soft child-sized toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste. 
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  Establish Good Habits: Taking proper care of your teeth is a bigger component of your overall oral health than diet or genetics—so establishing a healthy routine in early childhood will give your child the greatest opportunity to maintain those habits long-term. Encourage your child to brush twice a day and floss daily. Also, make sure that they visit the dentist office at least once every six months for checkups and preventative treatments. In addition to assisting your child with their oral health routine, it is helpful to demonstrate your own good habits.

• Encourage Healthy Eating: Although good habits play a larger role in oral health than diet, parents should still monitor what their child is eating and drinking. Milk and fruit juice contain sugar, which can be detrimental to oral health in large amounts. Encourage children to drink plain water as much as possible, limiting milk and juice intake to snacks or meals. Children should rinse their mouths or brush their teeth after having a sugary snack or beverage to help prevent tooth decay.

When it comes to family dentistry and specialized dental care, Cincinnati trusts Lowitz & Meier. Along with their highly trained team, Dr. Terry Lowitz, D.D.S., and Dr. Melissa Meier, D.M.D., strive to provide care for patients of all ages, making them a truly family-friendly practice.

To schedule an appointment at Lowitz & Meier, call (513) 521-8900. Visit their website to learn more about their patient-centered dental care philosophy, as well as to find information about the staff and their hours of operation. You will also find registration forms for both children and adult patients that you can print at home and bring to your appointment.