Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Celebrates National Children's Dental Health Month

Online, February 8, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Tucson, AZ - Drs. Laila Hishaw and Priya Abramian of Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month this February. If you have a baby, toddler or young child, it is important to establish good oral habits now to assure that their teeth will remain healthy for all their lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood - five times more common than asthma. Untreated tooth decay can submit children to persistent pain, an inability to eat comfortably or chew well, and discolored or damaged teeth. Not only can poor dental hygiene affect a child's smile, it can also have an impact on a child's overall health.

"Young children have specific oral care needs, which include monitoring thumb sucking and other bad habits, implementing regular dental visits and assuring that they brush and floss daily," says Dr. Laila Hishaw. "Children's teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child's self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong."

Parents should be aware of when children should have their first dental visit (by age of 1 or when the first tooth erupts), ways to prevent early childhood caries, when to expect changes from primary to permanent teeth, proper brushing and flossing techniques, thumb sucking, dental sealants, and choosing the right mouth protector for active children and adolescents.

To learn more about adequate oral care for children, call Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry at one of their two locations: Northwest (520) 544-4171 or Southeast (520) 664-9000 or by visiting http://www.tucsonsmilesaz.com. Patients of Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are treated by certified pediatric dentists, who are specialized in treating babies, children and adolescents.