February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Read below to learn some interesting facts regarding Children’s Dental Health.
Did you know…
This article is written by Nicole Kilgore
For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection
- More than 25% of 2- to 5-year-olds have one or more cavities
- Almost 20% of kids between the ages of 2 and 19 have cavities that have not been treated.
- More than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental related problems.
- Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma in young children.
So how do we keep our kids dental healthy? Here are some simple tips to keep your kiddos happy and free from tooth decay:
First Dental Visit
You child should be seen at the dentist by the age of one. This does not necessarily mean the standard “cleaning” we are used to seeing. As a parent, don’t expect miracles at the first dental visit. It can be overwhelming for a kiddo. Most dental offices follow the child’s lead on how in-depth the visit will be. For some children, it might just be a ride in the chair. For others, the dentist may get a good look in the mouth and maybe even brush their teeth!
It is important to remember dental offices are very bright with unfamiliar noises. It will help the dental staff make the experience a good one for your kiddo if they are aware of any sensory or behavioral issues ahead of time.
Brushing, Flossing and Fluoride
Brushing
You should begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear in the mouth. This can be as simple as having them chew on a moist wash cloth.
As they get a little older and are able to grasp objects, you can purchase a special made baby toothbrush. These are great because they have a wider handle so the child cannot shove it too far into their mouth.
Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing
When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin cleaning between their teeth daily. As with everything else—make flossing fun! Kid flossers come in all different sizes, shapes, colors and flavors. They are easy for the child to handle. Plus it gets them in the habit of flossing for later years.
Fluoride
And what about fluoride? Despite the negative information out there in fluoride ingestion in children, it does have a positive effect on tooth development. It is well-known that fluoride helps prevent, and even reverse, the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways. – Incorporation into the developing teeth before they erupt, and direct contact with the teeth after they erupt.
Fluoride Water
Children should be drinking fluoridated water. If you do not know if you have fluoridated water, ask your dentist. Dentists are well-educated about the areas that are and are not fluoridated. Also, it’s good to know that not all bottled water is fluoridated. Always check the label.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Children should be brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste. Most toothpastes on the mainstream market have fluoride incorporated into them. If you have a special needs child, or a child under the age of 2, you need to be careful with fluoridated toothpastes. Watch that your kiddo does not swallow the toothpaste as the fluoride can cause a sick feeling tummy. There are special toddler toothpastes out there without fluoride for these kids. Fluoride can have negative effects if not used as recommended by your dentist. If you have questions about the proper amount for your child, ask your dentist.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are formed when a plastic-like liquid is dripped onto the biting surface of the tooth. This coats the grooves that typically trap food and encourage bacterial growth. Ideally, they are applied to permanent molars between ages 5-15. Because the sealant material is only applied to the biting surface of the tooth, in between the teeth can still decay. So, your child still needs to brush and floss as instructed by their dentists. They also need to continue with their prescribed fluoride regimen.
Because sealants can prevent more than 80% of dental decay in children, they reduce the need for fillings and other more expensive treatment. That means no needles, less missed school, and a child that does not fear the dentist. Check with your dentist for a specific timeline of sealants placement for your child.
Remember, going to the dentist shouldn’t be something to dread. If your child has a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene habits, it can be a fun experience every time!
For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection
Featured Contributor: Nicole Kilgore
Nicole is a dental hygienist with over 17 years in the field. She is passionate about children’s dental health, and educating the public as to how it is linked to overall health. And it just so happens that her husband, Ken Kilgore, also shares an interest on keeping kids healthy and safe — he makes customized children’s beds to help a child transition from crib to big kids bed in a fun way.
- Email: Nrkilgore82@gmail.com
- Website: TradecraftSpecialties.com
- Facebook: Tradecraft Specialties
