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Since 1981, the American Dental Association has recognized the month of February as National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). NCDHM is a month-long awareness event that sheds light on the importance of dental health – specifically emphasizing the many benefits that can come from maintaining proper oral hygiene from a young age. The American Dental Association encourage parents to teach their children good oral health habits and routines, and to generate awareness of the many potential health problems that could arise from poor dental health.
Pregnant women with poor oral hygiene have been found more likely to have premature babies and newborns that suffer from development and growth issues. It is vital for parents to take care of their own oral hygiene and initiate proper oral hygiene of their children in infancy. Establishing healthy oral routines early in life will hopefully instill the value of maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.
Newborns tend to develop their baby teeth between 6-12 months old. Before they develop their first teeth, make sure to take care of their gums by lightly cleaning them with water and a soft cloth. Newborns should have a diet that is solely breastmilk or formula, unless advised otherwise by a medical professional. When babies develop their teeth, you should brush them lightly with a toothbrush made specifically for infants, at least twice a day. This will help prevent oral health problems, such as tooth decay, which could stunt your child’s growth and development. Tooth decay in infants has been shown to cause speech problems, as well as issues with jaw development. Do not share utensils, cups, spoons or toothbrushes with the infant or put the baby’s pacifier in your own mouth.
Unless advised otherwise by your dentist, AAP recommends using a smear (roughly the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste from tooth eruption until age 2. Families should increase to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages 3-6. Toddlers who are about three years old will have most likely developed a full set of baby teeth, and parents will also need to floss between any of their teeth that are touching at least once a day. Though it can be hard to keep your toddler still, you should make sure you are still brushing his or her teeth at least twice a day. Your children should visit the dentist every 6-12 months to make sure they are maintaining proper oral health. Children with special health care needs are particularly prone to develop cavities and should see a dentist as early as possible.
By six years old, children typically begin to lose their baby teeth and start developing adult teeth. To avoid gum damage, children should not try to pull their baby teeth out, but instead, they should let them fall out naturally. Some children may require oral surgery to remove their baby teeth if their adult teeth need room to grow in, making regular dental visits even more important to schedule.
Parents should assist and supervise their children when they brush their teeth until they are about eight years old, to make certain they are doing a proper job. If your child eats a sugary snack, it is a good idea to have him/her brush their teeth afterwards if possible. Nutrition can play a large role in children’s overall dental heath, and you should make sure that they avoid foods and drinks high in sugar to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, make sure to ask your dentist what type of toothbrush your child should be using to obtain adequate oral hygiene.
Overall, dental health is vital to your child’s overall health, and it should not be taken lightly. The habits and routines that you enforce as a parent will determine those that your children carry on with them later in life. Emphasizing the importance of dental health to your children while they are still young will help them avoid the potential health effects that poor oral hygiene could manifest on their overall health. Ask your CarolinaEast pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about how to properly proceed with developing an effective dental health routine for your children.
Sources:
ada.org/en/public-programs/
ada.org/en/publications/
RaisingChildren.net.au
