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April 13, 2010
VANCOUVER ISLAND – April is National Oral Health Month and the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) would like remind everyone how important a clean and healthy mouth is for every member of the family – especially for the little ones. Baby teeth are necessary for chewing, learning to talk, smiling and facial growth. If tooth decay or mouth damage is left untreated, it can cause pain and infection, upset self-esteem and affect learning. Maintaining a healthy mouth depends on many factors, including: diet, dental hygiene, the use of fluoride, using the right protective gear while playing sports and even the oral health of the parents.
The following tips will help you keep your child smiling into their adult years.
- Brush your children’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (a portion the size of a grain of rice for babies and a pea-sized amount for older children). Start cleaning the mouth in infants by wiping the gums with a clean washcloth.
- Use the correct brush for your child’s age (soft bristled brushes that fit small mouths). Help them brush their teeth correctly to ensure all teeth on all sides are cleaned. Young children are not able to clean their own teeth. As a parent, you must do it for them when they are very young and do it with them, as they get older. Children will need help with brushing until they’re about 8 years old (or when they can write their name).
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks. Frequently eating sugary, sticky snacks like raisins, granola bars, fruit leathers or crackers increases the risk of tooth decay because these foods stick to the teeth. Pair these snacks with crunchy foods like carrots or apples, or have your child swish with water after snacking.
Juice, diluted juice, formula and milk can promote tooth decay if children drink them often or sip on them over long periods of time. If your child goes to bed with a bottle or drink, water is the only safe option for healthy teeth.
- The Canadian Dental Association encourages the assessment of infants, by a dentist, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. New teeth are at risk for tooth decay and prevention needs to start right away.
- Some children become attached to sucking on soothers, thumbs, fingers, blankets and other objects. If the sucking habit is prolonged, it may affect teeth alignment or how the roof of the mouth is shaped. Discourage preschoolers from sucking with gentle reminders and motivate using smart rewards (i.e. stickers).
- Every year, sporting accidents cause broken teeth and injury. Mouth protectors help prevent injury to teeth and lips during sports such as hockey, basketball, lacrosse, rugby, soccer and baseball.
- Be a role model. Let your children see you brushing and flossing your teeth. They will want to copy.
VIHA’s Dental Health Program provides tooth decay risk assessments, family counseling, education, and skill building for parents to prevent dental disease among children and other selected groups.
For more information contact VIHA’s Child, Youth and Family Dental Program at your local health unit or visit: www.viha.ca/prevention_services/dental_program.htm
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Media Contact:
Shannon Marshall
VIHA Communications
250-370-8270 |
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