Why Good Dental Health is Important
Many scientific studies have been conducted on the importance of starting children early with good dental hygiene and oral care. Amazingly, the most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay. It affects 50 percent of first-graders and 80 percent of 17-year-olds. Early examinations and preventative treatment help to avoid problems that negatively affect a child's health, well-being, self-image and overall achievement.
The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that US children will miss 52 million hours of school each year due to oral health problems and endure 12.5 million days of restricted activity every year from dental symptoms. Because there is such a significant loss in their academic participation, the US Surgeon General has made children's oral health a national priority.
Parents and guardians are responsible for instilling good dental hygiene practices in children. Parents must introduce proper oral care early in a child's life. A good oral hygiene plan for children includes:
- Thoroughly cleaning your infant's gums after feedings with a water-soaked infant cloth or xylitol towelette. This stimulates the gum tissue and removes food. Cavity prevention is even more enhanced if xylitol towelette is used.
- Teaching your child at an early age about proper brushing techniques with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Then, once they have achieved an understanding of toothbrushing, introduce them to gentle flossing.
- Making regular visits with a dentist to check for cavities and other dental concerns.
- Encouraging your child to discuss any concerns they may have about oral health visits, but not mentioning any fears that you may possess as an adult. Children should be a blank slate before their first visit, and discussing parents' dental fears can negatively prepare children for their first visit.
- Determining if the water your child is drinking contains fluoride. Community tap water, well water, bottled water, and filtered water all have varying amounts of fluoride and can affect your child's teeth in different ways.
- Asking your dentist about sealant applications to protect the chewing surfaces of your child's molars.