1. Promoting Oral Health in Child Care
CCHC Lexington
March 2011

2. Tooth decay is a disease
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most common infectious disease of childhood
It can interfere with eating, sleeping, speaking, learning, playing, & school readiness

3. Severe Early Childhood Caries
Dental Caries
Severe Early Childhood Caries

4. Severe complications of decay
Tooth decay, if left untreated, can demineralize the tooth to the pulp and cause an abscess, which can be life threatening

5. Eruption Patterns
Primary teeth

6. Eruption Patterns
Permanent teeth

7. Teething
Caregivers should be cautioned about the use of teething products that contain the numbing agent, Belladonna

8. Teething
Teething rings are recommended over other remedies

9. Baby teeth are important
Baby teeth are essential for
Good nutrition
Language development
Self esteem
Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth

10. Baby bottle tooth decay
Do not let a child fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, juice
Only put children to sleep with bottles containing water

11. What care is appropriate?
Infants
Wipe gums gently after feeding using a clean, wet cloth or strip of gauze
Brush baby teeth ~ 6 months, after first eruption, with a soft- bristled toothbrush

12. What care is appropriate?
Toddlers and preschoolers
Brush teeth with a soft, child-sized toothbrush
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste
Wipe off excess toothpaste until the child is old enough to rinse independently
Children can start the brushing but need an adult’s help to do it thoroughly
Supervising adults should wash their hands after assisting each child

13. What care is appropriate?
Demonstration of proper assistance

14. What care is appropriate?
School-age children
Allow children to brush their own teeth with supervision
The supervising adult may need to finish the job for some children, ensuring that all tooth surfaces are reached
Children need supervision and may need help with brushing until they are at least 8 years old

15. What equipment is needed?
Each child will need a toothbrush labeled with his or her name
Use a rack for storage where toothbrushes can be suspended with space between so brushes do not contact each other

16. Storage Equipment

17. Toothbrushing Technique
Angle bristles toward the gum margin
Use light pressure with a circular motion
Biting surfaces also need to be brushed

18. Importance of water: Fluoride
Drinking tap water allows for fluoride to become systemic and protect the whole tooth
Have children rinse with water after meals and snacks

19. Make oral health a daily routine
Oral care can easily be incorporated into a program’s daily routine
To emphasize that oral care is an important habit, schedule toothbrushing at the same time each day
Rinse teeth with water after eating

20. Steps to oral health
Serve tooth-friendly snacks: cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables
Avoid soda, sweetened drinks, sweet treats
Dilute juices with water
If children eat sweet, sticky foods, brush or rinse with water afterwards
Educate families that children need regular dental checkups

21. Information provided by
KIDS SMILE
Oral Health Training Program
Department for Public Health
Cabinet for Health Services
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Frankfort KY
Division of Dental Public Health
College of Dentistry
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
California Childcare Health Program