For Immediate Release
February 16, 2007
Contact: Laura Buffum
732-751-7537
lbuffum@meridianhealth.com

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH HELPS SMILES STAY BRIGHT

Neptune, NJ - February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a month designated to assist children in understanding the importance of proper dental hygiene. Throughout the month, the dental staff at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is educating children and their parents about cavity prevention to ensure that young smiles stay bright and healthy.

Fortunately, thanks to fluoride in our water, improved oral hygiene, and increased dental visits, there has been a tremendous decline in childhood cavities. However, the cause of cavities is the one of the most prevalent diseases, second to only the common cold. This can be prevented and treated, though, at its earliest stages when children see a dentist. The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist no later then their first birthday.

“Bringing children to see a dentist teaches them at an early age that oral hygiene is important,” says Robert T. Kreutz, DDS, immediate past chairman of the Department of Dentistry at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “The lessons they learn as children will help them continue good habits that will contribute to their overall health as adults. Just like diet and exercise, cavity prevention should be factored together when teaching children how to stay healthy.”

The American Dental Association also offers tips to ensure good dental hygiene at every age. For babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers:
"· After each feeding, clean the baby’s gums with a clean, wet washcloth.
"· When teeth start to appear, brush them with a child’s size toothbrush and plain water.
"· Begin flossing when at least two teeth begin to touch.
"· Start dental visits by the children’s first birthday.
"· Brush teeth of children over age two with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
"· Children should always be supervised when brushing their teeth to keep them from swallowing the toothpaste.

For school-age children and adolescents:
"· Until your child is six or seven years old, brush your children’s teeth twice a day.
"· By age six or seven, children should be able to brush their own teeth but they still require supervision. Because each child is different, a dentist can help determine whether a child is flossing and brushing properly.
"· Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
"· Remind adolescents to practice good oral hygiene, the importance of dental check ups and making nutritious food and beverage choices.

“Tooth decay does not go away by itself; it only gets worse and can eventually cause pain. Following the tips from the American Dental Association and your dentist are very important,” added Dr. Kreutz.

About Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit university teaching hospital affiliate of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Home to the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, the first state-designated children’s hospital in the region; the top-rated cardiac surgery program in the State; and the only trauma center in Monmouth and Ocean counties, Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiac care and surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, and advanced women’s and children’s health services. For more information, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.meridianhealth.com.

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