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 in Dental 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: Crackers Chips Cereal Candy Cookies Juice

Healthy snacks: Peas Carrots Bananas Pears Apples

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) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 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 amount B) Pea sized amount C) 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 playnext=1&list=PLA3376CEB4F2182E4 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 disease Varnish 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 Department 509 Girard Street Bellingham WA Telephone: (360) ; Fax: (360) After hours emergency number: (360)

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 1 st 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