Rural Health, Inc. Recognizes February as National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, promoted by the American Dental Association (ADA) and dental care professionals nationwide to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene in children. Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) encourages families to establish healthy dental habits early with their child, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and scheduling regular dental visits to prevent infections, reduce dental anxiety, and build life-long healthy habits.

According to the ADA, early, consistent care for children’s teeth is crucial for preventing decay, aiding speech development, assisting with chewing, and maintaining space for permanent teeth. Children should have their first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth appearing.

It is estimated that up to 60% of children are affected by tooth decay by age 5. The ADA stresses that while tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children it is highly preventable. Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of decay in baby teeth. 

In addition to regular dental visits, brushing, and flossing, there are other steps families can take to keep their child’s teeth healthy such as discouraging frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods, encouraging drinking more water instead of juice, applying dental varnish to baby teeth, and considering dental sealants to protect permanent teeth.

Rural Health, Inc. offers premier dental services at its Anna and Goreville family medical clinics, with a primary focus on prevention through a variety of services including general dentistry, and dental education and hygiene services. To schedule a dental appointment at Rural Health, Inc. call 618-833-4475 or visit www.ruralhealthinc.org.

Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) is a not-for-profit organization serving Johnson, Massac, and Union counties in Illinois, designated by the federal government as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), whose mission is to provide quality services to all patients in need of healthcare while being committed to the overall health and well-being of the underserved.

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