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It’s no secret that parents want their children to feel healthy and confident. What is surprising is the thing that sometimes holds them back: untreated dental issues. Dental problems are very common, with nearly 1 in 5 kids having untreated cavities. These issues are disruptive, painful, and addressing them can be time-consuming. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children in the U.S. miss more than 34 million school hours each year due to dental problems. By starting good oral hygiene habits early, caregivers can help kids avoid dental problems and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Oral hygiene begins at birth
When you’re parenting a newborn, feeding, diapering, and getting your baby to sleep may feel like all you can possibly do in a day. Caring for your baby’s (seemingly non-existent!) teeth might not be top of mind. But starting from the earliest days, the breastmilk or formula babies drink impacts their oral health. After feeding, I recommend gently wiping your baby’s gums and tongue with a clean, dry cloth to remove residue that can lead to decay.
Once baby teeth emerge, brush them twice daily and floss once daily. These teeth are vital for eating, speaking, and holding space for permanent teeth to come in straight when the time comes. Until kids are seven years old, caregivers should supervise brushing to ensure they don’t miss any areas. For kids who want to brush independently, try a compromise: let them brush before the parent takes a turn, or alternate with kids brushing in the morning and parents brushing at night. To angle the toothbrush easily into the nooks and crannies of a small mouth, sit and have your child lay back with their head in your lap. The brushing motion should be gentle; avoid scrubbing, which can damage gums. Use a timer to ensure two minutes of brushing, but if you’re pressed for time, some brushing is always better than none.
Cavities form when bacteria break down sugars and carbohydrates (any kind of starchy food) into acid that erodes tooth enamel, creating tiny holes in teeth. To reduce the risk of cavities, practice good oral hygiene and limit starchy or sugary snacks and drinks, especially before bedtime.
When to visit the dentist
Children should see the dentist beginning at age 1 or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits allow children to get comfortable in the dentist’s chair. They are also opportunities for dental providers to identify potential problems before they become serious and to teach caregivers how to care for their child’s teeth. Children should visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.
Making the dental visit a positive experience for kids
To avoid passing on our fear of the dentist to our children, it’s important to approach visits with a positive state of mind. This allows kids to relax and build trust. At our Hillside dental office, we have a child-friendly exam room. During the visit, we use a “show, tell, do” approach to help kids understand what is happening and why. We demonstrate a step, explain the step in simple terms, then perform the step with the child. This helps eliminate confusion and anxiety and allows kids to ask questions along the way.
Give Kids a Smile
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Each February, MCHC joins with hundreds of clinics and dental providers across the country to host a Give Kids a Smile event, offering free dental services for uninsured children from low-income families, ages 17 and younger.
Our goal is simple: to improve the oral health for children in Mendocino and Lake Counties.
Previously, we hosted a one-day event. Now, GKAS lasts all month. Caregivers can contact the clinic to schedule an appointment at any of our sites. As part of GKAS, children receive an exam and cleaning with the dentist. If follow-up treatment is needed, we develop a plan and schedule return visits, which are also free of charge. After a GKAS visit, we encourage caregivers to schedule appointments for their children every six months.
By practicing good habits from kids’ earliest days and regularly receiving dental care, we can help children avoid cavities and pain, leading to beautiful, confident smiles.
Neha Sharma, DDS, is the Dental Director at MCHC Health Centers, which includes Hillside Health Center In Ukiah, Little Lake Health Center in Willits, and Lakeview Health Center in Lakeport. She is also Mendocino County Director for Redwood Dental Society and Volunteer Clinical Instructor for UCSF School of Dentistry. MCHC is a community-based and patient-directed organization that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services as well as supportive services such as education and translation that promote access to healthcare.