Commentary
By Carrie L. Gould
Dental health problems can have widespread effects. If a child is suffering from problems in the mouth, whether that involves pain or infection, he or she will have a hard time learning, chewing, playing and speaking, any of which affect his or her ability to thrive.
One way to achieve good dental health is to visit the dentist regularly. For children, that first visit should occur once the first tooth comes in, or by 1 year of age. Children need to visit the dentist at least once each year or more frequently as directed by the dentist.
Children may have some anxiety prior to visiting the dentist for the first time. One way parents can address this is by borrowing a children’s book from the library that describes a dental visit to prepare them for what will happen. These books are an excellent way to alleviate concerns.
Parents needing help finding a dentist in their area should contact the Northern Kentucky Dental Society at (859) 331-2666.
In addition to visiting the dentist, home care is just as important. Child-size toothbrushes with soft bristles should be used and changed every two to three months. Children’s toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, but only a small amount (the size of a pencil eraser) should be used. Parents should assist their children during brushing two times a day: once in the morning after breakfast and again before bedtime.
Healthy food choices are another aspect of achieving a healthy smile. Serving a balanced diet along with sugar-free snacks, like pretzels and vegetables, will help in preventing cavities. Also, provide low sugar beverages such as water, which contains fluoride, milk and 100 percent fruit juice.
Please share this information with other parents, grandparents and caregivers so we can best address the dental health needs of all children in our community.
For additional early childhood tips, visit
www.bornlearning.org.
Carrie L. Gould is supervisor of the Dental Health Program at the Northern Kentucky Health Department.
