THE OHIO DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESENTS:

THE OHIO DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: • A PARENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FOR INFANT AND TODDLER ORAL HYGIENE CARE

YOU AND YOUR CHILD’S MOUTH YOUTHE PARENT ARE IN CHARGE

ESTABLISH GOOD ROUTINES EARLY • Early childhood cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease • Dental health care begins even before the first tooth

INFANT CARE Start brushing the infant’s teeth as soon as they come in with a soft toothbrush

BABY PRODUCTS • When the first tooth arrives start using infant tooth pastes twice daily

INTRODUCE FLUORIDATED TOOTHPASTE Use a smear at less than 2 years Use a pea size amount for ages 2-5 years Always use an age appropriate soft bristle toothbrush Brush at least 2 times a day: MORNING AND NIGHT

HELP IS NEEDED STARTING WITH THE FIRST TOOTH Find fun alternative ways to help brush your child’s teeth

MAKE BRUSHING FUN Lean their head back in a high chair Lay them on the couch Sing silly songs At first they may cry but brushing will soon become a fun time

The parents should brush the child’s teeth once a day until the child is about 9 years old or until they are able to brush independently. Supervise and monitor asneeded

BRUSHING 1)Brush the outside surfaces along the gum line 2)Brush both the upper and lower arches 3) Brush all the inside surfaces 4)And include brushing all the chewing surfaces 5) Brush your tongue

REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH Replace your toothbrush every 3 months Or after every illness

FLOSSING • Should be started when the teeth have tight contacts • As a parent you should floss between your child’s teeth once a day • This will prevent cavities from starting between the teeth

DO NOT PASS GERMS Avoid saliva sharing behavior between mother and child such as: a baby drops their pacifier, the mother wipes it clean with her mouth and gives it back to her baby

In order to prevent the transfer of cavity producing germs also • Do not share eating utensils • Or cups with your baby

EARLY CHILDHOOD CAVITIES • Never put your child to bed with a bottle having any other liquid than WATER

EARLY CHILDHOOD CAVITIES • Your child’s chance of cavities increases when a child falls asleep with a bottle of: milk formula juice any sweet liquid or if your child falls asleep breastfeeding

EARLY CHILDHOOD CAVITIES At first you may notice small dark or white spots on the front teeth But early tooth decay can and will affect the back teeth too.

When children “sip” on sugared drinks for extended periods, They are at a higher risk of decay

Sugar Consumption WHERE IS ALL THE SUGAR??

LIMIT MILK TO MEAL TIMES • Although milk has calcium and vitamins, it too can have sugar • Drink milk only with meals : ”No Sipping” • 8 oz glass white milk • has 2 1/2 tsp sugar • 8 oz chocolate milk has 11 tsp sugar

Sodas contain high amounts of sugar

SODA ACID PH# SUGAR

ACID IN SODA • Acid can wear away the enamel parts of your teeth • The lower the PH# the stronger the acid • Regular soda contains both sugar and acid • Heavy soda consumption is also linked to obesity, diabetes , and osteoporosis

LIMIT SWEET SNACKS Encourage your child to develop good eating habits and choose nutritious snacks

Baby teeth • The first tooth arrives around six months of age • Around the age of 2 years old, The child has all 20 baby teeth • The last baby tooth usually is not lost until the age of 10 to 12 years

Why are baby teeth important ? Holds space for the permanent teeth Helps form the shape of the child’s face Helps the child to talk clearly Makes eating and chewing easier

IF LEFT UNTREATED THEY CAN CAUSE: • pain • loss of space for the permanent teeth • damage the permanent tooth • infection that can affect the child’s total health • poor nutrition • missed school • costly dental appointments

FIRST DENTAL VISIT • The first dental visit can be a pleasant experience • The dental hygienist will probably use a knee to knee approach

As the child gets older He/she will be introduced to the: Dental Chair The Mirror Mr. Tooth Counter The “Spin Brush” The suction “straw”

RECALL APPOINTMENTS The child should go to the dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups or as instructed by your dentist

AS A PARENT YOU CAN BE A RESOURCE FOR A PLEASANT FIRST DENTAL EXPERIENCE Avoid negative words about the dental experience Always approach the dental office as a fun place to go Read up on books about “Going to the Dentist” Letting your child observe an older sibling who is a good role model

FLUORIDE IS PROVEN TO REDUCE TOOTH DECAY Exposure to fluoride can be through • Toothpaste • Varnish • Topical application at the dental office

WHAT IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF FLUORIDE?? 92% of Ohio’s public water supply is fluoridated Tap water is the main source of fluoride Put only water in their “Sippy” cups between meal times Encourage your child to drink from a cup by their first birthday So drink WATER! WATER ! WATER!

ACCIDENTAL LOSS 0F A BABY TOOTH • CALL YOUR DENTIST • No need to put the tooth back in • The dentist may take an x-ray to check the surrounding teeth and bone

ACCIDENTAL LOSS OF A PERMANENT TOOTH • CALL THE DENTIST • Put the tooth back into the mouth in it’s place and go to the dentist or • Place the tooth in a cup of milk until you reach the dentist

CONCLUSIONS • Visit a dentist shortly after the baby’s first tooth appears or by their first birthday • Brush 2 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste, morning and night • Help your child brush until they are approximately nine years of age or able to do a good job

Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle Drink lots of tap water Drink milk and juice with meals only Limit the sweet drinks Eat healthy snacks

We can all have a great smile !

AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL JOYCE BEATHARD-LIND RDH BA GOOGLE IMAGESWWW.MODENTAL.ORG FREELANCEDENTALNURSE.COM SHE KNOWS PARENTING OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY 1800DENTIST.COM WWW.CURETOOTHDECAY.COM STOCKPHOTO.COM ASHVILLEPEDO.COM WWW.IDA.ORG 7DENTAL.COM GUGGIEDALY.BLOGSPOT MAXPIC.COM CSUNFASA.COM MOMNETMOM THANK YOU

THE OHIO DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: