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Healthy Habits: A Silent Education
Kids
look to adults for guidance. They see the
decisions we make — the food we eat, how much
value we place on dental hygiene, the relationship
we have with our dentist, the products we choose
to trust — and follow our lead. February is
National Children’s Dental Health Month,
making now the ideal time to demonstrate the
importance of proper daily oral care. (For those
whose “children” are furry and four-legged, you’re
not off the hook: this is also National Pet Dental
Health Month.) Stay positive and teach the kids in
your life to brighten their smile with a smile of
your own.
4 Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About
Children's Oral Health:
1. How early should I bring my child in for
his/her first dental visit?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric
Dentistry (AAPD), the first visit should occur
shortly after the first tooth appears. This first
tooth is just the beginning in a set of primary or
baby teeth your child will have. Maintaining
optimum health for the first set of teeth is
critical and serves to: aid in speech development
and proper chewing habits; promote better
digestion and nutrition and help maintain space
until the permanent teeth are ready to emerge.
Getting an early start in dental care is the key
to healthy teeth and establishing good oral health
habits that will remain with your child for a
lifetime. The first visit is essential for
evaluating the soft tissues of the mouth, as well
as examining the teeth for any early signs of
decay. The dentist can review the latest
information and make recommendations for pediatric
care with regard to diet and fluoride, and how to
avoid injuries or trauma to the mouth.
2. What can I do to prevent cavities in my
child’s teeth?
There are several primary factors that aid in the
prevention of tooth decay:
-
implement at-home oral hygiene practices, which
include brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste
twice a day and flossing once a day
-
limit snacking on sugary foods and drinks and
fermentable carbohydrates such as crackers, chips
and breads
-
maintain regular dental check-ups and have
sealants (protective coatings) placed on the teeth
when advised
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent
early childhood tooth decay include:
-
avoid allowing a bottle-fed baby to go to sleep
with a bottle unless it contains only water (milk
pools around the teeth and creates an acid bath
that weakens the enamel)
-
wipe
the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth
following breast or bottle feeding
-
maintain meticulous oral hygiene and make regular
dental visits to avoid the transmission of
bacteria that may be harmful
3. How do I get my child to brush at bedtime?
The earlier you begin a daily routine for cleaning
teeth the quicker this process will become a
natural part of your child’s routine. Bedtime
brushing should never be a struggle or cause
anger. This should be a fun and easy way to
educate your children about the importance of good
oral hygiene. Children watch their parents closely
with everything they learn and brushing is no
different. Set a good example and model the
behavior you wish to see in your children when it
comes to daily oral health. Often times, this can
become a family routine performed together. Very
small children lack the dexterity to brush
properly, and need your support early on. Once
they become more adept, introduce electric or
unique toothbrushes that are fun and encourage
brushing. Floss holders, tongue cleaners and
disclosing tablets educate your child and enroll
them in the process of being independent and
responsible for their oral health.
4. Do I need to give my child fluoride
supplements?
There are many sources from which your child may
be getting fluoride. These include fruit juices,
fluoridated water, fluoridated toothpaste and
fluoride treatments during their dental visits.
Fluoride supplementation is not as common as it
was years ago, mainly due to the concern with over
fluoridation. Supplementation should be advised
and supervised by both your pediatrician and your
dentist. All your options should be fully
discussed and questions answered to make an
informed decision.
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