CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
It is February, and that means it is National Children's Dental Health Month. Good habits develop early in life, and teaching children to care for their teeth is essential to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.
"A child's primary teeth, sometimes called 'baby teeth,' are as important as permanent adult teeth," said Capt. (Dr.) Courtney Schapira, 437th Medical Group Deily Dental Clinic general dentist.
Primary teeth typically begin to appear when an infant is between the age of 6 months and 1 year. The teeth begin to fill in slowly, usually in pairs -- one on each side of the upper or lower jaw -- until all 20 teeth (10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw) have come in. By the time the child is 2-and-a-half to 3 years old, their complete set of primary teeth should have erupted. At approximately 6 to 7 years of age, a child will start to lose some of their baby teeth and have adult teeth starting to erupt. This process may not be completed until age 12 or even longer. During this process, both sets of teeth should be taken care of as the child grows.
"Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak, aid in the proper growth and development of the jaws and, of course, to have an attractive smile," said Captain Schapira. "Primary teeth help maintain good nutrition by permitting your child to chew properly, are involved in speech development, and help save space in the jaw for the adult teeth."
Parents can help develop habits early that will ensure a child's healthy smile will last a lifetime by following the tips below:
· Start cleaning a baby's mouth at birth. After each feeding, wipe a baby's gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth. When the child's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and water. Since flossing removes food particles and plaque between teeth that brushing misses, parents should floss for children beginning as soon as the teeth are in contact with one another, as early as age 2-and-a-half. Remember, most small children do not have the dexterity to brush and floss their teeth effectively, so parents must brush and floss for them until they are 7 to 8 years of age. Unless it is advised by the child's dentist, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2 or 3 (when a child can spit out well).
· Schedule the child's first dental visit within six months after eruption of the first tooth (usually by 12-18 months old). The dentist can check for problems such as dental decay and provide oral health information based on the child's stage of development.
· Encourage children to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. If a child is thirsty between meals, use only water in the bottle or cup. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything other than water. Night time breastfeeding should be avoided after the first tooth erupts.
· If local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask dentists how children can get the right amount of fluoride.
· Only allow children to chew sugarless gum or gum made with Xylitol. Avoid lollipops and other sweet, sticky candy or similar foods.
· If the child plays sports, make sure he or she always wears a mouth guard.
"Remember, children tend to mimic their parents, so demonstrate good oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing every day," said Captain Schapira. "Healthy habits start early in life, so be sure to get your child off to a good start with early dental visits, proper tooth brushing, and of course, a lot of smiling."
For more information, visit the children's dental health month informational booth Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the base exchange.