Babylon parents work hard to reinforce good oral hygiene habits and protect their childrens’ beautiful smiles. Unfortunately, children’s dental care in the U.S. as a whole is not nearly as good as it can be.
According to the CDC, 46% of children ages 2-19 had untreated or restored cavities in one or more teeth between 2017 and March 2020. If nearly one in every two children faces dental health issues, then surely there’s more we can do to keep their smiles safe.
While there are significant barriers to children’s dental care in the U.S., including challenges with reimbursement rates, delays in care, and difficulty finding providers in rural areas, we can improve pediatric oral health with some dedication—and a little education.
Common Dental Issues in Children and Prevention
Some of the most common dental issues for kids include:
- Cavities (Dental Caries): When bacteria in the mouth feed on starches and sugars, they produce acids. Without proper dental care, those acids accumulate enough to wear away the protective enamel layer on teeth, leading to decay.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It occurs when bacteria build up in the gum tissue, leading to an infection. Early symptoms include gum swelling, gums that bleed easily, and tooth sensitivity.
- Malocclusion (Misalignment): Some people are genetically predisposed to this issue, but it can also be caused by a few childhood habits. Thumbsucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting can all impact tooth alignment and jaw growth.
If you want to prevent these common dental issues in children, then make sure they:
- Brush Twice a Day: The number one way to prevent tooth decay in children is to brush regularly. Once in the morning and once before bed, for about two minutes each time, can go a long way.
- Floss Once a Day: A toothbrush can’t access the entire mouth, no matter how skilled a brusher you are. A good flossing once daily gets deep between teeth and removes gum disease-causing plaque. Get your child started as early as two or three.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating too many starchy, sugary foods feeds oral bacteria and raises the risk of cavities. Balance them out with lots of tooth-healthy foods like leafy greens, nuts, and crunchy fruits and veggies.
- Visit the Dentist Twice a Year: Your child’s dentist can provide in-depth oral exams that catch dental health issues before they become serious. They can also provide deep cleans that prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.
The Impact of Parental Involvement on Kids’ Oral Health
The number one factor in a child’s oral hygiene habits is the example set by their parent or guardian. Studies show that parents’ toothbrushing behaviors heavily influence their children’s toothbrushing behaviors. That’s why it’s crucial to not only teach your child how to care for their teeth but also model that behavior for them.
Strategies for Teaching Kids Proper Brushing Techniques
Kids tend to be resistant when it comes to learning how to brush properly. However, there are some techniques you can employ that might make things a bit easier.
- Start Early: The earlier you begin building good brushing habits, the easier it will be for your child to pick them up. You can get started as soon as their first tooth erupts.
- Use a Soft-Bristle Children’s Brush: The wrong tooth brush can hurt your child’s small and sensitive gums and teeth. This might create bad associations that will be hard to get rid of. Be sure to start off with toothbrush specifically designed for their age group.
- Demonstrate Proper Technique: Ineffective brushing technique can do more harm than good. Sometimes it can even cause enamel damage and gum recession. Avoid these issues by showing your child how to hold their brush at a 45-degree angle and use gentle circular motions.
- Make It Fun: Creating good associations with oral care can make your child genuinely excited to brush their teeth every day. You can turn toothbrushing into a game, play a song that shows them how long to brush, or use a kids’ toothbrushing app.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Regularly praising and rewarding your child for maintaining good oral hygiene habits can help create positive associations that will last a lifetime. Just make sure those rewards aren’t sugary.
Contact Babylon Dental Care Today
Preventive dental care is the best way to protect your child’s beautiful smile. Call Babylon Dental Care at (631) 983-6665 or contact us online to schedule your child’s next checkup with one of our pediatric dental specialists today.