Help kids develop good dental habits early, for a lifetime of healthy smiles
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and it’s a good time to remind families that habits developed early can help ensure a lifetime of good dental hygiene and overall good health.
“We want kids to have a positive start in life to their dental experiences and understand the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums,” said Dr. Brian Martin, a pediatric dentist at Akron Children’s. “Prevention and developing simple, everyday routines and habits will get your kids off to that great start.”
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss.
- Eat healthy foods and limit sugary beverages.
- See your dentist at least twice a year.
Fluoride provides a safe, effective ‘shield’ to protect teeth
Dr. Martin said, in recent months, he’s been getting more questions from parents about fluoride – what it is and if it’s necessary.
“Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and some foods. It’s also one of the most studied public health tools we have to prevent tooth decay,” he said. “It’s added to many toothpastes, mouthwashes and community water supplies to improve dental health. Decades of high-quality research consistently shows that fluoride is safe and effective when used at recommended levels.”
According to Dr. Martin, community water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste are carefully regulated to provide protection against cavities without causing harm. Fluoride has been used safely for more than 70 years and is endorsed by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Kids still benefit from fluoride even if they brush well and eat healthy foods,” said Dr. Martin. “Brushing by itself only removes plaque on the tooth’s surface. Fluoride works by strengthening tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth), something brushing alone can’t do. It helps repair early damage and makes teeth more resistant to acids that cause cavities. Think of it as a shield that protects teeth throughout the day, not just when your child is brushing.”
Other tips from Dr. Martin include:
- Encourage kids to drink water instead of sugary drinks when possible. Be a gatekeeper if you must – just don’t buy it or save it for special occasions. This includes fruit juice. It’s natural sugar but still sugar.
- Never put a baby down to sleep with a bottle.
- Keep toothbrushes located in convenient locations. Many families find keeping an extra toothbrush in a downstairs bathroom, near the kitchen sink or tucked in their child’s backpack will improve the odds for additional brushing throughout the day.
- Use a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste for kids under age 3 and a pea-sized amount for children over age 3. Have kids spit out the excess toothpaste, and don’t rinse right away so the fluoride can keep working.
- And be sure to keep those regular dental visits so care can be designed to meet your child’s needs.
Dr. Brian Martin recently discussed children’s dental health with Monica Robins, senior health correspondent for WKYC TV. Find out more about pediatric dental care at Akron Children’s.
