When one thinks of health care, oftentimes the body comes to mind. Fern Ingber, president and CEO of the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) said oral health is an integral part of overall health, especially for kids.
“We say the mouth is the gateway to the body. Oral and systemic health are linked,” said Ingber. “You’ve got the profession of medicine and dentistry and until recently, they haven’t been linked. Today pediatricians look at kids’ teeth.”
Ingber said kids’ oral health really begins with the parents. During the prenatal period, a mom’s oral health can affect the baby, therefore she should be visiting the dentist regularly.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit a dentist at age 1 or when the first tooth arrives.
“That first visit is an educational visit, but we’re also looking for growth and development. And don’t worry if they scream and cry. Pediatric dentists are well prepared to deal with that anxiety,” said Dr. LaQuia Walker, assistant professor of pediatric dentistry at Indiana University.
Once kids’ primary or baby teeth come in they should be brushed twice a day. Teeth that are touching should be flossed regularly.
“Baby teeth are very important because they affect speech, the child’s ability to chew food properly and the baby teeth hold the place of the permanent teeth that are just below the gums,” added Ingber. “Then there’s the whole issue of self esteem and a child’s smile. Even young children are aware of pleasant smiles.”
Walker strongly suggests that until the child is 7-years-old, parents brush and floss the child’s teeth – afterwards, kids should be able to do it on their own.
Parents should also note that tooth decay is the No. 1 dental disease for kids. This is due to acid and bacteria on the teeth.
“This is completely preventable. There’s no rule that says everyone is destined to get a cavity,” said Walker.
Ingber, Walker and Dr. Rebecca Slayton, chief dental officer and chair of the NCOHF Scientific Advisory Board provide good oral health practices that will ensure kids have the building blocks they need for a happy, healthy future:
n Beginning at birth, clean infant gums with a damp cloth or soft toothbrush and warm water after each feeding and check your child’s gums/teeth daily. Consistent cleaning of gums and teeth from infancy helps establish early positive oral health practices.
n Parents and caregivers should clean bottle nipples and pacifiers in warm soapy water – not with your mouth – and avoid sharing food and drinks with your children.
n Avoid giving your child a bottle with milk or juice at bedtime. This prolonged exposure to sugary liquids can lead to cavities. Give them water instead.
n Children learn by example, brush and floss your teeth with them to encourage good oral health habits.
n Kids should brush and floss teeth twice a day – in the morning and before bedtime.
n Invest in a new toothbrush every three months and after every illness to avoid lingering bacteria and germs.
n Preventive dental visits are essential for a healthy smile. Visit the dentist every six months.
n Avoid grumbling about your own dental appointments and help your child understand that going to the dentist helps them keep their smiles healthy.
n Help your child understand what to expect on their visit by taking a tour of the practice before their appointment and asking the dental assistant or dental hygienist to explain what will be done and demonstrate how each instrument will be used.
n What goes in the mouth is just as important as brushing and flossing. Eat healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, cheese and yogurt. Natural foods are also better than processed foods on the teeth.
n Avoid starchy or sticky snacks. Foods that stick to the teeth create an environment for bacteria to thrive and grow.
n Limit foods containing sugar to mealtimes only. Check out products with xylitol as an alternative to sugar-laden sweets.
n Drink fluoride-laced tap water abundantly and avoid sodas and energy drinks that are high in sugar.
n Wear a mouth guard while playing sports to avoid injuries and dental trauma.
n Children should use playground equipment that is surrounded by a soft surface to avoid dental trauma.
n If a permanent tooth is knocked loose due to dental trauma, push it back into the area or place it in milk and go immediately to a dental office.
n It’s never too late to implement good dental practices in older children. Start by bringing them along to observe your routine dental cleaning and exam. This will allow them to ask questions, see how each instrument will be used, eliminate potential fears by observing your experience and help them understand the importance of practicing good oral health behaviors.
n Sign up for the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club. Members of this free club receive personalized letters from the ToothFairy and quarterly newsletters with fun, educational activities that promote healthy behaviors for the entire family. Sign up at Americas ToothFairyKids.org.
n For low cost dental care, parents can take kids to free dental clinics. They can also contact the Marion County Health Department at (317) 221-2329, the Indiana Dental Association at (317) 634-2610 or the IU School of Dentistry at (317) 274-8111.
