12 Oral Health Messages

By Michelle Martin RDH, MPHUtah Dept. Of Health Oral Health Program

People with Diabetes are at a greater risk of developing gum disease.

Oral Health Trivia

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) medications can affect your mouth.

TRUE or FALSE?

Healthy eating can contribute to the condition of a an individuals mouth.

• Among new military recruits in 2010, what percentage were not deployed because of significant dental issues?

– A. 0-40%

– B. 40-60%

– C. 60% +

One Last Trivia Question???

Tooth Decay

• Tooth decay is caused by bacteria

• It can spread from person to person

• Children with cavities in baby teeth are 3x more likely to develop cavities in the permanent (adult) teeth.

• Tooth decay is the most common chronic early childhood disease ~ 5x more common than asthma

Tooth Decay

• By the age of 3 years, almost 1 every 10 children has oral issue

• One study showed children with poor oral health were nearly 3x more likely to miss school due to dental pain

• By age 5, 75% of American Indian/Alaska Native children have experienced decay.

State of Decay

• Children from low income and minority families are particularly vulnerable because they are less likely to have their oral health addressed.

• An estimated 17 million low income children in the United States go without oral health care each year. This represents about one out of every five children. (Pew Center on States, Cost of Decay)

PREVENTION!!!

• Tooth decay is preventable!

• Pediatricians, dentists, nurses, community health workers, teachers, promoters, and extended families play a very important role in making a child’s teeth a priority!

• Providing education to parents and caregivers

• Screenings and anticipatory guidance

• Community connections• Access to preventive information

and services• Prenatal oral health and beyond.

12 Oral Health Messages

•YES, there is HOPE!

Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste 2x Day• Fluoride is a mineral that works to

protect teeth from decay.

• With soft brush, brush 2x day for 2

minutes to help remove plaque.

• Kids under 3 use a small smear of

fluoride toothpaste.

• Kids over 3+ can use fluoride

toothpaste the size of a pea.

• Brush in gentle cheerio swirls (circles)

on every surface of every tooth.

Stop the Pop

• Soda has a lot of sugar and acid ~ this weakens the enamel ~ causing decay.

• NEVER put soda in a bottle or Sippy cup.

• Use instead ~ water, milk, or 4 oz of 100% fruit juice.

No More Than 4 oz. Juice Per Day• 100% fruit juice.

• Stretch 4 ounces of juice throughout the day. For example: 2 ounces of apple juice plus 2 ounces of water.

• Eating fresh fruit is much healthier than drinking juice.

Sleep Without a Bottle• Baby should NEVER go to bed

with a bottle that has breast milk, formula, juice, or other drinks. This can lead to full mouth of cavities.

• You should always clean your baby’s teeth after his or her last bottle-feed and before he or she goes to sleep.

Only Water in Sippy Cup• Tooth decay among young

children is on the rise. Many experts believe that Sippy cups containing sugary beverages are responsible.

• NEVER put soda or energy drinks, in a Sippy cup.

• Sippy cup should not be used at naptime or bedtime unless they only have water in them.

Wean Off Bottle By Age 1• Weaning to a cup also does more

than encourage your little one to make the transition to solid foods.

• It stimulates two-handed development, and promotes mealtime family interaction.

• Pediatricians recommend a gradual approach: First, substitute a cup for the bottle or breast at the midday feeding. Once the baby adjusts, use the cup at the morning feeding, and so on.

See Dentist at age 1• Baby teeth are important because they

hold a place for permanent adult teeth. • The dentist will check to see if

everything is normal and look for any areas of early tooth decay.

• Topics your dentist may discuss:– Fluoride needs– Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue

thrusting, lip sucking)– Dentist will show you and your child

how to thoroughly clean the teeth. – Teething & Proper nutrition

Don’t Share Utensils with Children• Bacteria can be passed from

parents/caregivers to the child, making them higher risk to get decay.

• To lower decay, family members Should NOT…– Clean child’s pacifier with their

mouth– Share spoons or forks– Pre-chew child’s food– Share cups, bottles, or

toothbrushes

• Don’t let your child place his or her fingers in anyone’s mouth. Children will usually put their fingers back into their own mouth, increasing the chance of passing the bacteria.

Limit Sugary Snacks– Make treats “treats,” not everyday foods. Limit

sweet treats to special occasions. – Choose not to offer sweets as rewards. By offering

food as a reward for good behavior, children learn to think that some foods are better than other foods.

– Reward your child with comforting hugs or kind words, or give them non-food items, like stickers, to make them feel special.

– Limit sugary cereals. Choose oatmeal and other cereals, that don’t have added sugar. Add nuts, fruit, or cinnamon if you want to jazz it up.

– Limit juices, sports drinks, and other flavored beverages. Try to stick to water and unflavored milk.

Adult Brushes Child’s Teeth• Brushing your child’s teeth helps

make healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and helps avoid painful dental problems.

• When your child can tie his or her own shoe, then your child is ready to do a good job brushing. – If your baby doesn’t have any

teeth, wrap your finger in a clean damp washcloth and wipe their gums.

– If your child has teeth, use a soft baby brush and fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth.

Breastfeeding is Highly Recommended

• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age.

• Builds a strong connection with the mother and baby.

• Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies and also may protect children against:

Infections, Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, Obesity, & Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

It Is Safe To Go To the Dentist While Pregnant

• When visiting the dentist tell your dentist if you are pregnant so that if you need treatment, he or she can decide on the best type for you.

• It is highly recommended to get your teeth cleaned during pregnancy to help decrease inflammation in mouth.

• Good oral hygiene is important during pregnancy.

• During pregnancy your gums are more likely to bleed and there is a greater chance of them becoming inflamed or infected.

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Questions???

Contact Information

• Michelle Martin RDH MPH• 801.273.2876• mlmartin@utah.gov