CHENANGO COUNTY – Each October National Dental Hygiene Month is celebrated in an effort to raise awareness on the importance of good oral health and to recognize the work of dental hygienists.

Developing good brushing and flossing habits at an early age is very important. This year the awareness month is focusing on four healthy habits to maintain healthy smiles: Brush, Floss, Rinse, and Chew. Scheduling regular dental visits also helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Start the conversation about the daily four: brush twice a day, floss regularly, rinse with mouthwash, and chew sugar-free gum after meals.

The American Dental Association and The Chenango County Department of Public Health would like to remind parents that attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life. Taking care of your child’s mouth, giving your child healthy foods and beverages, planning scheduled visits to the dentist, and taking care of your own teeth are important ways to start.

The Chenango County Dental Taskforce has been working to bring attention to promoting good oral hygiene habits in our schools. Thanks to the amazing support of community partners and dental clinics across our county, we were able to assemble and distribute dental hygiene kits to every elementary school child in Chenango County in 2017 and 2018. As a result, we supplied 3,867 students in 232 classrooms at 11 schools across Chenango County with their own toothbrush, toothpaste and floss each year. The goal is to continue to do this project and to pilot a program for brushing in the classroom. We hope that educating children in elementary and middle school about basic dental care will help improve their oral health as adults.

Here are some specific tips to help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy:

• Wean your child from the bottle to a cup by the age of 12-14 months.

• Brush your child’s gums each night even if they do not have teeth yet. Use a wet washcloth or small soft bristle brush.

• Do not put your child to sleep with a bottle.

• Serve juice in a cup (only) and limit the amount to 4-6 ounces per day.

• Help your child brush at least two times a day, after breakfast and before bed – making sure he/she spits out the toothpaste after brushing.

• Give your child water several times a day- with fluoride if possible.

• Reward your child with a smile and a hug, not with food.