Tooth decay (which leads to cavities) remains the most common chronic disease in children, despite the fact that it could be easily prevented. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) over 40% of children ages 2 to 11 have had a cavity in their baby teeth. NIDCR also reports that decay is increasing in preschool age children; a problem that is entirely
boy holding toothbrush
preventable through good oral hygiene. National Children’s Dental Health Month is in February and is sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) to raise awareness about oral hygiene.
The ADA recommends that children brush for “Two Minutes, Two Times a Day.” However, brushing teeth is often a chore that many children (and their parents) dread. Part of the goal of National Children’s Dental Health Month is to provide activities and support materials to help parents and teachers make brushing teeth fun. Along with those resources, here are a few tips that have worked in our house.
1. Visit the ADA website and download free coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, certificates, a puppet template, and more. Consider hanging up a calendar and placing special stickers
2. Have your child create a calendar to track good oral health practices. Post the calendar in the bathroom and reward children with a gold star or happy face for each day of great oral care!
3. Sing songs. “Happy Birthday” or the “ABCs” both sung two times through is usually a good length for brushing
4. Buy your children fun toothbrushes. But be sure to only use a pea sized amount of toothpaste.
5. Download tooth fairy letter templates for every situation, charts, and certificates at toothfairyletter.net.
6. Make your own toothpaste:
4 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Flavoring (such as peppermint extract)
Mix and store in an airtight container.
Extra fun: name your toothpaste and create a label for the container.
7. Set a good example by brushing and flossing as a family. If your children watch you brushing your teeth, they will probably be more enthusiastic about brushing their teeth.
The NIDCR provides the following 4 tips for preventing tooth decay:
1. Limit between-meal snacks. This reduces the number of acid attacks on teeth and gives teeth a chance to repair themselves.
2. Save candy, cookies, soda, and other sugary drinks for special occasions.
3. Limit fruit juice. Follow the Daily Juice Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Make sure your child doesn’t eat or drink anything with sugar in it after bedtime tooth brushing. Saliva flow decreases during sleep. Without enough saliva, teeth are less able to repair themselves after an acid attack.
Good habits begin in the home. Developing a good oral hygiene routine at an early age and visiting the dentist regularly will help your children ward off tooth decay and cavities. Let’s help our kids “Join the Super Smiles Team” today!