{"id":1279,"date":"2014-02-08T14:25:21","date_gmt":"2014-02-08T19:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.positivelyparenting.com\/?p=1279"},"modified":"2015-12-04T12:48:25","modified_gmt":"2015-12-04T17:48:25","slug":"children-and-the-dental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mlparentcoach.com\/new\/parenting\/children-and-the-dental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Children and the Dental Health!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Did you know February was\u00a0National Children\u2019s Dental Health Month<\/strong>? Nope, me neither! I\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0know how important it is, as a parent, to take care of children\u2019s teeth. Like doctor\u2019s visits, taking care of their little teeth is a non-negotiable. Regular dentist visits, brushing and flossing are like money in the bank for helping guarantee good oral health for years to come\u2026but it\u2019s not always easy, is it?<\/p>\n

Parents chasing children with toothbrushes, bribes, begging, threatening, etc. – these are the many tactics parents use (I have been guilty of some of them, too!) to promote healthy teeth, but there must be a better way.<\/p>\n

I decided to turn to the wise, nurturing, gentle and patient pediatric dentist whom my own children see,\u00a0Dr. Mahnaz Shahinfar<\/a>. As recently as this past week, my eight-year-old had a cavity filled with\u00a0no tears<\/em>\u00a0and my four-year-old wanted to go along, because she \u201cloves this dentist.\u201d That\u2019s all the proof\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0need that this is the dentist who knows kids\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0teeth.<\/p>\n

\"Cute-kids\"<\/a>
\nPhoto Source: Thinkstock\/iStockphoto\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

How long have you been practicing pediatric dentistry? \u00a0How long have you been in D.C.? And do you have children of your own?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have been practicing and teaching pediatric dentistry for the past thirty years. I have started my practice in Washington D.C. in 2006. I have two sons 29 and 23.<\/p>\n

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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. \u00a0Why is it important children take care of their teeth at an early age?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease in the United States.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Primary teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Oral conditions can affect child’s self esteem and performance at school. Severe decay can affect growth and development.<\/p>\n

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There are many so many different ways to prevent future dental problems (and cavities) while the children are still young.\u00a0 What do you recommend and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We can prevent cavities through the following procedures:<\/p>\n