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Valentine’s Day was yesterday, and there is a lot of candy making the rounds this week. It’s once again time to remind all our patients to be extra careful when choosing those candies and treats!

All candy, soft or hard, sticky or chewy, can cause cavities. However, hard and sticky candies are extra bad for teeth because they can break teeth and fillings.

We recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Dr. Nichols also encourages kids to make candy a special treat, not something to have a lot of at one time, or very often. Those who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, as well as at the gum line, immediately afterwards.

All of us at Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!

For the past 62 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Dr. Rick Nichols and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Dr. Nichols and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Just for Kids thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: You should visit us regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 62nd year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your child’s mouth healthy, or about your child’s treatment with Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry, please feel free to give us a call!

Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry, serving Redlands, CA and the surrounding areas, strives to provide exceptional treatment in an informative and friendly environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?

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Thank you,

The team at Just for Kids