24
Baby Teeth: Get the 411
Baby Teeth: Get the 411
Myth or Fact?
Dental disease is the number one chronic illness in children?
FACT!
Baby teeth ARE important
They help the baby: 1) Eat well and grow strong 2) Learn to speak clearly 3) Help permanent teeth come in straight 4) They can transmit cavities to permanent teeth if not
treated
Infants
Dental disease can cause infants pain But they don’t have the ability to tell you how much
pain they are inDental disease can affect:
Sleep Playfulness Ability to develop good language skills
When should your child get their first dental screening?
By the age of 1
The dental screening can be performed by either a pediatrician or a dentist
Myth or Fact?
Can you give your child dental caries by kissing them?
FACT!Tooth decay is an infectious disease (practice
good oral hygiene to prevent the spread)
Main cause of dental caries (cavities)
Cause: Bacteria
Reasons: 1) Inherits bacteria from parents (kissing) 2) Bottles and nursing 3) Sugary foods
Nutrition
How a baby eats affects whether or not they develop dental caries
Unhealthy snacks:
CrackersChipsCerealCandyCookies Juice
Healthy snacks:
PeasCarrotsBananas PearsApples
Should you clean your baby’s mouth if they do not have any teeth?
YES!You can use:
Damp washcloth Finger brush
How many times a day should you brush your child’s teeth?
A) 1B) 2C) 3D) 4
Answer: B (2 times a day!)
(Brush your child’s teeth once in the morning and once at night)
How much toothpaste should your child use?
A) Rice sized amountB) Pea sized amountC) Marble sized amount
Answer: A, rice sized amount (A child over the age of 2 should use a rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste)
Tooth brushing demonstration
Main points: 1) Brush for 1 minute on the bottom
2) Bush for 1 minute on the top
3) Use small circular motions to brush
Promoting oral hygiene at home
Break into small groups of three or four
Share ideas about how to promote good oral habits and get your kids excited about taking care of their teeth
Allow each person in the group to come up with at least one idea
Vote on one idea to share with the rest of the group
Promoting oral hygiene
Light up toothbrush
Wild Flossers Dental Floss
Gold star chart
Checking your child’s mouth for signs of decay
“Lift the Lip” technique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRodm0Zxvfw&playnext=1&list=PLA3376CEB4F2182E4
What to look for when performing “Lift the Lip”
1) Check your child’s gums and look for signs of swelling or redness
2)White spots on the teeth= Early signs of decay
3) Brown spots= Signs of further decay
Fluoride Varnish
What is fluoride varnish?Used to treat early signs of oral diseaseVarnish helps inhibit the progression of
disease and may help reverse the early cavities themselves
Can be applied in a doctors clinic or dental clinic
Children 12 months and up should have fluoride varnish applied 2 or 3 times a year
Ask a dentist or doctor about fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish
Barriers to healthcare
Issues of eligibility and insurance should not keep you from taking your child into the dentist
In WA state you can call your local health department and they can help you find resources when you need it
Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Links you to a dentist in your area
Whatcom County Health Department
Whatcom County Health Department509 Girard StreetBellingham WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 676-6724; Fax: (360) 676-7646
After hours emergency number: (360) 715-2588
Email: [email protected]
Pop Quiz!
Dental disease is the number one chronic illness in children? Myth or fact? Fact Are baby teeth important? Yes or no? Yes, because? When should your child get their first dental screening? By their 1st birthday You can give your child dental caries by kissing them? Myth or fact? Fact What is the main cause of tooth decay? Bacteria Should you clean your baby’s mouth if they do not have teeth? If so, what should
you use? Yes, use a damp washcloth or a finger brush to clean their gums How many times a day should you and your child brush your teeth? 2 (once in the morning and once before bed) How much toothpaste should your child use? Rice, pea, or marble size drop? Rice
Pop Quiz Continued
List a few healthy snacks for children Peas, apples, pears, carrots, bananas, etc What should you look for when performing the “lift the lip” technique? Signs of swelling or redness on the gums and white or brown spots on
the teeth Name two proper brushing techniques 1) Brush for two minutes 2) Use small circular motions when brushing Name one way to promote oral hygiene at home Use enthusiasm, model good oral hygiene; use light-up tooth brushes,
etc. At what age should a child first have fluoride varnish applied AND how
often should it be applied? Age 12 months Should be applied 2-3 times a year
