February is National Children's Dental Health Month

This National Health Observances Month is brought to you by the American Dental Association. This is the designated month of the year for health care professionals and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health for children and their families.

Tooth decay is one of the common and chronic childhood diseases. It is more common than asthma and allergies. Preventive dental care is especially important for children due to their teeth, gums and mouth still developing. Teaching good dental habits early is the best way to protect your child’s teeth down the road.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend that all children see a pediatric dentist by age one. Unfortunately, many children lack good oral hygiene habits and the opportunity for dental care. Medical insurance is a strong predictor of access to dental care and it is proven that children without health insurance are less likely to have these opportunities for dental care. This can lead to all kinds of health issues for the future such as pain, infections, and can lead to problems with speaking, learning and playing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.1
• 1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.1
• Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%). 
• The link below has guidance for babies, children and pregnant women. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html

There are some tips below to help young children practice brushing and make it a good experience for all.

Choosing a toothbrush. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for brushing an infant’s or child’s teeth. There are also a variety of child’s battery and electric toothbrushes on the market.

Holding a toothbrush. If the child has trouble holding a toothbrush, try making the handle thicker by putting it inside a tennis ball. The toothbrush handle can also be strapped to the child’s hand with a wide rubber band, a hair band, or Velcro. Toothbrushes with thick handles can also be found in retail and discount stores.

Teaching the child how to brush. Break the process into small steps that the child can understand and practice. Ask a dentist, dental hygienist or early childhood specialist for help, if needed. Another way is to place a hand over the child’s hand to guide the toothbrush as the child brushes.

Using toothpaste with fluoride. Use toothpaste with fluoride that the child likes and that feels good in his or her mouth. An adult should always place toothpaste on the toothbrush.

• For children under age 3: Use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (or an amount about the size of a grain of rice). 
• For children ages 3–6: Use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. 

If a child cannot spit: Have the child tilt his or her mouth down so that the toothpaste can dribble out into the sink, a cup, or a washcloth. Since the fluoride in toothpaste is clearly meant to be swished but not swallowed, make sure to help or watch the child while brushing. When she is old enough, tell her to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Positioning the child. There are many ways a child can be positioned to make the child feel comfortable and allow an adult to brush his or her teeth.

Keeping the child engaged in brushing. Use a timer, a short song, or counting as a game to encourage brushing for 2 minutes.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Toothbrushing-Tips-for-Young-Children.aspx 

Cavities are preventable and fluoride has helped immensely in kids living in areas with fluoridated tap water. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, getting dental sealants, and fluoride drops are also a big part of prevention. Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you check with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist to find out if any additional fluoride supplements are necessary, or whether your child is already receiving the right amount. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Fluoride-Supplements.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAiA66_xBRBhEiwAhrMuLZB5qCPGfgj1S6vswtCU3iQJWcNhL63uC0U0o_r5VEALRsW1JtGZCBoCPAYQAvD_BwE

For this children’s dental health month, there are links below for fun activities to be done at home. Scroll down to the bottom. There is a crossword puzzle, coloring sheet, calendar (to mark off when they brush) and a maze activity. Get your children involved in wanting to brush their teeth.
https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month?utm_medium=VanityUrl

Those little teeth need our protection. Starting dental care early is a step in the right direction for building a life-long habit of good dental care.