Welcome to the first issue of Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2009 and is a one stop shop for all your dental needs.
This month is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a month-long national health observance started by the American Dental Association (ADA) that is dedicated to promoting the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. This year’s NCDHM theme is “Water, Nature’s Drink” because this year marks 75 years of water fluoridation.
Water Fluoridation
Water Fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to drinking water to increase the natural fluoride level up to the recommended level that helps prevent cavities. Almost 75 percent of the U.S. population is served by fluoridated community water systems as of 2012. According to the ADA, more than 70 years of research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective and it prevents tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Fluoride fights cavities by assisting in rebuilding (remineralizing) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases in children? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 25% of 2- to 5-year-olds have one or more cavities, half of kids 12- to 15-years old have one or more cavities and tooth decay affects two thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds. If you and your family drink tap water, bottled water with fluoride or use fluoride toothpaste, you are helping to prevent cavities. That’s simple to do, right?
There is some controversy over water fluoridation, but the ADA, the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), among many other national and international organizations, endorse community water fluoridation. In addition, the CDC recognized fluoridation of water as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
Too Much Fluoride?
Fluoride is safe and effective when used properly and in the correct doses. It is possible to get too much fluoride; however, typically children are the ones affected when they are exposed to excessive fluoride for an extended period when they are young. This is called dental fluorosis. Because water fluoridation is monitored in the United States, children can get dental fluorosis when they swallow too much fluoride toothpaste. To prevent this from happening, make sure to watch your children when they brush their teeth to ensure that they are spitting the toothpaste out instead of swallowing it.
As we make our way through February, work on teaching your children the importance of having good oral health. This month’s issue of Dental 360° has articles that can assist you with making oral health fun for your family. If you’re looking for some fun activities centered around NCDHM, download the ADA’s set of activity sheets below.
Download English Activity Sheet
Download Spanish Activity Sheet
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you monthly.
Dental 360° February Articles
National Children’s Dental Health Month – Tiny Teeth
Children & Braces
Tips to Help Your Children Maintain Good Oral Health
