Oral Health in Children
The development and the health of a child’s teeth and mouth are as important as any other growing part of the human body. Unfortunately, dental decay (the disease properly known as caries) is still the most common chronic childhood disease.
At this point, it is well established that the dental and oral health of a growing child has a tremendous impact on the future health of the person for the rest of their life.
The strong connection between the overall health of the body (systemic health) and our oral health is now well established. Children and adults with healthy mouths and good regular hygiene have far fewer health problems.
We now know there are direct links between poor oral health and many diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, heart problems, some autoimmune system disorders, and cancer.
Childhood dental decay is the most common chronic disease in childhood, yet cavities are preventable. Children who have poor oral health typically miss more school and have lower academic achievement than children with healthy mouths.
Left untreated, dental decay and cavities can cause pain, infections, and can lead to problems with eating, speech, and even learning.
Before your infant or toddler is able to take care of their own gums and teeth, you can protect and maintain your child’s teeth by following the P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom:
Protect tiny teeth.
Ensure to wipe your baby’s gums after each meal.
Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle.
Remember to brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Limit drinks and food with added sugars for children.
Encourage your child to eat healthy foods.
*For children younger than 2 years, consult with us about when to start using fluoride toothpaste and how much to use.
Common Myths About Baby Teeth
Myth #1
“Baby teeth don’t really need to be cared for.”
The truth is, decay can happen as soon as the first baby teeth appear. So, as soon as the first baby teeth appear, it's time to start brushing…twice daily—in the morning and before bed.
Myth #2
“I can wait to take my child to the dentist until they are older.”
You should be visiting the dentist as soon as your child’s first teeth erupt. Follow the “First Visit by First Birthday” recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Myth #3
“They are just baby teeth, if they get cavities they will fall out later anyway.”
We hear this too often. One of the most accurate predictors of whether or not children will have dental decay in permanent teeth is whether or not they had active decay in the baby (primary) teeth and whether or not the problem was addressed.
The bacteria that cause tooth decay, if left alone to thrive, will spread from one tooth to another, not unlike how the flu spreads from one family member to another.
Myth #4
“It’s okay to let my child sleep with their bottle.”
Parents who allow their children to go to sleep with a bottle filled with milk or juice, please understand that this is a particularly harmful thing to do, as it almost always results in early cavity formation.
It can also make your baby dependent on having a bottle to sleep. Children who tote around no-spill “sip” cups with sugary drinks and juices throughout the day are equally harmful.
Good Oral Health In Children Is Essential!
Children who have good oral health generally have better overall body health, more self-confidence, and better social and psychological health.