By Dr. John Luther, Chief Dental
Officer, DentaQuest
Whether it’s changing
diapers or taking the kids to soccer practice, parents of children of all ages
have ample responsibility to keep their children happy and healthy. Even from
an early age, this duty includes promoting good oral health to ensure their
kids have healthy smiles for a lifetime.
Current research shows
that just over half of children between the ages of six and 11, and 28 percent
of preschoolers have tooth decay. Some might say, “It’s okay to have cavities
as a child – they’ll lose those teeth anyway.” But, in reality, these statistics are a serious issue. Contrary to what many
believe, getting cavities is NOT an inevitable part of growing up. Dental
disease (cavities and gum disease) are nearly 100% preventable. Kids who have
cavities grow up to be adults with tooth decay, and that can lead to other
serious and costly health problems later on.
Luckily for busy parents,
here are a few easy, preventive habits that can help your children maintain
good oral health:
Head to the dentist
when first tooth emerges
Connecting your child to
a dental home, or an ongoing relationship with a dental care provider, from the
moment the first tooth comes in is essential to long-term oral health. From the
first visit onward, make sure to schedule dental check-ups every six months.
You’ll learn the dos and don’ts about taking care of your child’s teeth at
home. Also, during these initial preventive visits, a dentist can help make
sure your child’s teeth and gums are in optimal condition for permanent teeth
to come in.
Before teeth, use a
washcloth
While you’re waiting for
your baby’s teeth to grow in, get prepared by gently cleaning the gums twice a
day with a wet washcloth. When the baby teeth do come in, keep up the routine
so the teeth stay strong and healthy, and the mouth will be free of
cavity-causing bacteria from the start. The lower teeth typically appear after
eight months, followed by the upper front teeth at 10 months and molars at 26
months.
Choose healthy snacks
In moderation, fruits are
healthy alternatives to other snacks with added sugars – however, not all
fruits are the same. While firm fruits like apples and pears can help keep
plaque off the teeth, bananas and raisins are chewy, sticky and full of sugar
that can stick to your teeth. Granola bars, another deceivingly unhealthy
snack, are packed with sugar. So, when you give your child a mid-day snack,
think about nuts or seeds instead which help rebuild tooth enamel. If your
child is very young, it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician about
peanuts.
Avoid surprisingly
sugary drinks
Apple juice and milk are
classic childhood drinks, but when provided in excess or at the wrong time,
these drinks could promote tooth decay. Watering down juices to a mixture of ¼
juice and ¾ water can drastically cut your child’s sugar intake. If it’s a
drink before bed, be sure to stick to water – not milk – as the sugars linger
in your child’s mouth overnight, feeding bacteria that cause cavities. After
any sugary drinks or snacks, rinse your child’s mouth with water and be sure to
brush before bed.