February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance, promoted by the ADA, brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others.
Here at CAFF, we are big enthusiasts of the oral-systemic connection – the idea that oral health is inseparable from overall well-being. Our main focus is providing education and support for parents, so we've consolidated some of the wonderful resources out there for parents on this topic.
KID'S DENTAL HEALTH: BOOK RESOURCES
There is quite a bit out there on the subject of childhood airway disease prevention. To help guide your reading research, we've pulled together our list of recommended books.
These books are written by some of the top medical professionals and cover everything from breathing, diet, and dental symptoms and guidance on how to improve these conditions. They are great resources for professionals as well, as they further support the idea that pediatricians and pediatric dentists should work in conjunction with children's overall health management:
The Dental Diet by Dr. Steven Lin
Your Child's Best Face by Dr. Felix Liao
Airway is Life by Dr. Meghna Dassani
Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic by Dr. Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich
First 1,000 Days by Roger Thurow
Moms in the Trenches by Dr. Jill Ombrello
Sleep Wrecked: Helping Parents Raise Happy, Healthy Kids One Sleep at a Time by Sharon More
Breathe, Sleep, Thrive: Discover How Airway Health Can Unlock Your Child's Greater Health, Learning, and Potential by Dr. Shereen Lim
If Your Mouth Could Talk by Dr. Kami Hoss
Brave Parent: Raising Health, Happy Kids Against All Odds in Today's World by Dr. Susan Maples
KID'S DENTAL HEALTH: BLOG RESOURCES
Blogs are an excellent way to garner information quickly and glean an understanding of oral health basics. Here are a few blogs on the topic of kid's dental health we believe are great resources for parents --- no matter where you and your child are on your airway journey:
CAFF: Tooth Decay and Oral Health: How Do Airway Issues Impact Tooth Health?
Pediatric Dental Specialists: How to Explain Dental Concepts to Children
Children's Dental Health: Brush Up on Oral Health Tips for Children
The Latched Mama Blog - website
Two Peds in a Pod Blog - website
KID'S DENTAL HEALTH: PODCAST RESOURCES
Podcasts are great resources for busy parents! You can listen to them in the car, at work, or in the evening after the kiddos have gone to bed. They also allow you to hear, first hand, from some of the best, most experienced medical professionals. Here are a few podcast shows and episodes we recommend for parents:
Airway First Podcast: Episode 17 with Dr. Ben Miraglia
Airway First Podcast: Episode 33 with Dr. Tina Rokadia
Airway First Podcast: Episode 38 with Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru and Dr. Krystle Dean-Duru
Airway First Podcast: Episode 28 with Dr. William Harrell
Brews and Tiny Teeth: The Unfiltered Pediatric Dentistry Podcast - website
AAPMD - website
KID'S DENTAL HEALTH: DENTAL PROFESSIONALS SPOTLIGHT
There are so many amazing airway and sleep-focused dental professionals out there. Here are just a few that we think you may want to follow online and explore some of the resources they offer for parent and patient education:
Dr. Staci Whitman
Instagram @doctor_staci
Website doctorstaci.com
Dr. Nora Zaghi
Instagram @dr.norazaghi
Dr. Susan Maples
Instagram @bebraveparent
Website total-health-dentistry.com
Dr. Carla Damon and Dr. Loria Nahatis
Instagram @beyondpediatricdentistry
Website beyondpediatricdentistry.com
FIND A PROVIDER
The Children's Airway First Foundation works closely with our partner, Ariway Health Solutions, to provide education and resources for both parents and medical providers. One of the most important resources available for parents is the Airway Health Solutions Provider Finder Tool.
The tool includes over 400+ airway-focused dental and myofunctional therapy providers who have completed the courses and training programs offered by Airway Health Solutions.
If you are unable to find a provider in your area, contact us and we will do our best to help find you assistance.
