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Good dental health is important at any age. It is never too early to start teaching proper oral hygiene. February is National Children's Dental Health Month and the American Dental Association offers advice for parents and caregivers of children.
· A baby's mouth should be wiped with a damp cloth after each feeding beginning a couple of days after birth.
· Take your child to see the dentist regularly, scheduling a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday.
· Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
· Start brushing the child's teeth with water as soon as the first tooth appears. For infants, parents should wipe the teeth and gums with a clean gauze or cloth.
· Start flossing when two of the child's teeth begin to touch.
· Brush and floss your child's teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
· Make certain your child gets the right amount of fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. Ask your dentist how this can be done.
· Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a thin protective barrier that shields the chewing surface of back teeth against tooth decay.
Teething can be very painful for children. It usually occurs between 4 months and 2 1/2 years. The gums may be sore and tender, but can be relieved by gently rubbing the baby's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon, wet gauze, or a teething ring. Teething does not cause a fever, so contact your physician if this occurs.
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Another important aspect for children is tooth decay. "Baby bottle" tooth decay is a serious problem. It can occur when an infant is allowed to nurse continuously from a bottle of milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night. These liquids can pool around the child's teeth during sleep and can lead to tooth decay. If you must give your baby a bottle as a comforter at bedtime, make sure it contains only water. Pacifiers should never be dipped into sugar or honey.
Eating a balanced diet from each of the five major food groups is essential for good dental health. This can easily be accomplished by eating a variety of foods. Limit the number of snacks you and your children eat especially ones that contain sugars or starches. The teeth are attacked by acids for at least 20 minutes after each snack. When snacking choose nutritious foods such as cheese, vegetables, or fruit. Meals are less harmful to the teeth since more saliva is release which helps wash foods from the mouth.
Setting a good example for children is also crucial. As adults we must be role models for children. If we demonstrate proper oral hygiene, children are more likely to follow. For additional information and games visit: www.ada.org/public/topics/kids/index.html
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