As parents send children back to school, it is a good time for a checkup on their dental or oral health. Children of all ages should have a regular dental check-up twice a year to catch problems early and learn good dental care habits. It is important to establish a dental home for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one. Good oral health starts early!
A healthy mouth is important for the overall health of infants, toddlers, children and teens. Poor oral health can cause problems with eating, speaking and learning, and it can cause pain and serious infections. Each year, more than 51 million school hours are missed due to dental problems. The latest oral health survey by the Maryland Office of Oral Health in 2011 found that 42 percent of third-graders had experienced dental caries, or decay. The Health Department's children's dental clinic has seen an increase in young children ages 4 and under coming in for first visits with many cavities. Fortunately, parents can help to prevent cavities by taking care of their children's mouths every day.
Parents must supervise children in making sure they brush two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. As soon as teeth are touching, flossing can begin. Do not give children bottles in bed or at nap time. Give children milk or water instead of sugary drinks like soda, juice or punch. Offer water only in between meals. This is good advice for adults as well. Constant sipping on sugary drinks bathes teeth in sugar and acid all day long and can lead to decay.
Do not share cups, food, spoons or forks as these can spread the germs that can cause cavities. Every child and family member should have their own toothbrush to avoid sharing germs.
Ask your dentist if your child needs fluoride tablets or drops. If your family is on well water or in a town that does not add fluoride to the water, your child can greatly benefit from fluoride supplements and/or fluoride varnish treatments. Fluoride has been shown safe and effective for more than 65 years and thousands of studies in strengthening teeth and reducing decay for all ages.
Carroll County has seven municipalities that do not fluoridate the water: Hampstead, Manchester, Taneytown, Union Bridge, Bark Hill, New Windsor and Pleasant Valley. Because of this, the Health Department has offered a free fluoride weekly mouth rinse program in 15 schools in these areas for the past 15 years. Students must have parent permission to participate. Fluoride in rinses and toothpaste strengthens teeth above the gums. Fluoride in the water or through supplements strengthens developing teeth below the gums. Both are important.
Another important tool to help decrease cavities in children is the application of dental sealants to molars and premolars. These are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent decay from starting there, where it is hard to clean with a toothbrush. Ask your dentist about these additional ways to protect your child's teeth.
Most importantly, be a good role model. Let your child see you brushing, flossing and eating healthy foods and drinks. A healthy smile should last a lifetime.
For more information, contact the Carroll County Health Department's Oral Health Program at 410-876-4852.
Dawn Eldridge is the Oral Health Program coordinator for the Carroll County Health Department.
