FEBRUARY IS CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
Monday, February 21st, 2005 -- 1:58 PM
This is National Children?s Dental Health Month. Dr. Tom Gelhaus, a dentist from Owen, appeared on our Viewpoint program on Thursday morning.Gelhaus said that even young children should see the dentist. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends children make their first trip to the dentist between 1 and 2-years of age?
"That might sound a bit early," Gelhause admits, "I think at least before school starts -- age 2 or 3 is nice."
"I tell parents - when they have their own check-ups, bring their kids along," Gelhaus says that will get kids comfortable in what can be an intimidating setting.
Gelhaus recommends scheduling children?s? appointments for the morning, because they tend to get cranky and tired later in the day.
Fruits, vegetables, cheese and popcorn are good snacks for kid?s teeth.
Sticky and sugary items are bad.
But nothing?s worse than soda.
"You can eat all the candy you want, but if you have clean teeth and no plaque, it's not going to cause an acid. That's not true with soda because it already has acid."
Gelhaus says yellow and white sodas usually are worse than colas because they have citric acid.
This marked the 20th straight year Dr. Gelhaus has appeared on Memories 1370 AM?s Viewpoint program during Children?s Dental Health Month.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.