Dental
Visits
The ADA recommends regular dental
check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of
the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's
first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and if
necessary, fluoride treatments, provide children with 'smile'
insurance. Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be
easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal.
Early Childhood
Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)
Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy
children's teeth. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to
sugary liquids such as milk, fruit juice and other sweet liquids.
The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent your child from
getting early childhood caries.
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Begin oral care early. Wipe the
baby's gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze pad after each
feeding.
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Babies and toddlers should
finish their naptime and bedtime bottles before going to bed.
Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle
containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquids OR a
pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
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Encourage children to drink from
a cup by their first birthday.
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Don't let children constantly
sip on sugary liquids (including milk and juice) from training (sippy)
cups. Offer these liquids at mealtimes.
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Help your child develop good
eating habits early and choose nutritious snacks.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are used to protect the chewing surfaces from tooth
decay, the single most common chronic childhood disease. Your
dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by
applying sealants to your child's teeth. A sealant is a clear or
tooth-colored plastic material that is applied to the chewing
surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. Sealants
protect normal depressions and grooves in the teeth called pits
and fissures, which are particularly susceptible to tooth decay.
Mouth Protectors
Any child involved in a
recreational activity, such as soccer, hockey, football, roller
blading, riding a scooter and even bicycling should wear a mouth
guard. There are 'stock' mouth guards available in stores and a
better-fitting variety, which are custom fitted by your dentist.
Ask your dentist about using a mouth protector.
National Children's Dental
Health Month
National Children's Dental Health
Month has been observed each February for more than 55 years. 'It
serves as an annual reminder to children, parents and caregivers
of the importance of healthy oral health habits,' Dr. Feldman
explained. The Give Kids A Smile campaign conducted February 1,
2008, isthe centerpiece of National Children's Dental Health
Month. Give Kids A Smile was designed to provideoral examinations,
preventive and restorative care and oral health education toan
estimated half-million children in need of access to oral health
care. Now in its sixth year, Give Kids A Smile is observed
annually on the first Friday in February.
About the American Dental Association
Celebrating
its 150th anniversary, the not-for-profit ADA is the nation's
largest dental association, representing more than 156,000 dentist
members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA
has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and
science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art
research facilities develop and test dental products and materials
that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient
experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been
a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products.
The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA)
is the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more
information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at
www.ada.org |