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Health: Birth to 5
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Tooth decay Brush now, avoid trouble later We all have habits. Some are good, some are bad. Some were simply ingrained from our youth: Say “please” and “thank you.” Look both ways before you cross the street. Taking care of your teeth is one you should definitely pass on to your child. By kindergarten, one-in-three children in Orange County has visible, untreated tooth decay. “A healthy mind begins with a healthy body,” says pediatric dentist Richard Mungo. “Children must be able to concentrate and interact in order to successfully learn, but oral pain and infection make this impossible. A child with tooth decay has difficulty eating, sleeping, and achieving.” Tooth decay is treatable, but treatment can be expensive. It is better to prevent decay in the first place, and that means starting now to develop healthy dental habits. Habit 1: Healthy eating No surprise here: What and when we eat affects the health of our teeth and gums. • The same foods that build your child's muscles and bones help with healthy teeth and gums. Give your child a balance of dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meat, fish, poultry and beans. • Eating sweet, starchy, sticky and acidic food increases the risk for cavities. Limit snack times and offer sugary or starchy foods with a meal. • Drinks including juice, soda and even milk contain large amounts of sugar. Don't put your baby to sleep with formula or juice, or let your toddler carry a bottle or sippy cup around during the day; the ongoing exposure to the sugary liquid increases the chance of tooth decay. Habit 2: Brushing and flossing Teach your children to brush their teeth and tongue at least twice a day and floss daily. • Wipe your baby’s gums with a wet cloth after meals. • Use water or non-fluoride toothpaste to clean your younger child's teeth. When they can spit well, switch to toothpaste with fluoride. • When your child’s teeth touch each other, start flossing once a day. • Until your child is about 8 years old, you will need to brush and floss for them. Before that, they won't have the necessary hand and finger coordination. Habit 3: Visiting the dentist Children should be taken to the dentist soon after they get their first tooth or at 1 year old, and regularly thereafter. Children who visit the dentist by their first birthday and who get regular check-ups reduce dental-related costs by almost 40% over five years compared to children who wait longer to see a dentist (12th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County, 2006). A dentist will: • Make sure your child's teeth are coming in correctly and monitor baby teeth for signs of plaque and decay. • Demonstrate proper brushing and flossing. • Recomment and provide treatment if needed, such as cleanings and sealants. • Build trust so that your child is comfortable with dental work, and so you have a place to go if you ever have a dental emergency. According to Hal Slavkin, dean of the USC School of Dentistry, “Optimal oral health is a major factor for infants, toddlers and preschool children to experience wellness and a sense of purpose.” From that first gums-only grin to your toddler's smile of delight, you hold the key to keeping your child beaming. This article was supplied by the Children and Families Commission of Orange County. Information: occhildrenandfamilies.com Resources • SmileLineOC: 714.532.7935 Informa-tion for families on oral health, access to dental services, referrals to a pediatric dentist and more. • Community-based Outreach & Tooth Fairy Learning Center Offers oral screenings, presentations and education at health fairs, school sites, and community centers. For information: 714.532.7934. • aapd.org (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) has information on everything from calming the anxious child to dental care for special needs children, fluoride and fillings, sealants and x-rays and more. |
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