February is National Children’s Dental
Health month, and the local members of the West Michigan District Dental Society remind parents they can
help make their children’s smiles last a lifetime. “Get a Gold Medal Smile” is
the theme for this month’s celebration.
“Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong,” said Dr. Tyler Wolf, president of the West Michigan District Dental Society.
Age 1 dental visit important
Your children can get that gold medal smile by following some basic guidelines, including a visit to the dentist by the first birthday.
TheAmerican
Academy
Babies and bottles
Baby teeth are very important for chewing, speaking and appearance.
One serious form of children’s tooth decay can happen when the bottle is filled with sweetened liquids, such as milk, formula, juice or soda pop, especially during bedtime or naps. If you must give your baby a bottle as a comforter at naptime or bedtime, make sure it contains only water.
To prevent decay, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feedings. As soon as the first tooth comes in, begin brushing with a little water and continue to clean the gums that remain toothless.
Teething discomfort
As baby teeth begin to come in through the gums, some babies become fussy, sleepless and irritable.
Diarrhea, rashes and a fever are not normal for a teething baby, so call your physician if you notice these symptoms.
If your baby has sore or tender gums as a result of teething, try gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a moist gauze pad, all of which can be soothing. A clean teething ring for your child to chew on may also help.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends that benzocaine products not be used for children younger than 2, except under the advice and supervision of a health care p rofessional.
Benzocaine is an over-thecounter anesthetic, usually under the product names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase.
Benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious — and sometimes fatal — condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in whic h the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced.
“Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong,” said Dr. Tyler Wolf, president of the West Michigan District Dental Society.
Age 1 dental visit important
Your children can get that gold medal smile by following some basic guidelines, including a visit to the dentist by the first birthday.
The
Babies and bottles
Baby teeth are very important for chewing, speaking and appearance.
One serious form of children’s tooth decay can happen when the bottle is filled with sweetened liquids, such as milk, formula, juice or soda pop, especially during bedtime or naps. If you must give your baby a bottle as a comforter at naptime or bedtime, make sure it contains only water.
To prevent decay, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feedings. As soon as the first tooth comes in, begin brushing with a little water and continue to clean the gums that remain toothless.
Teething discomfort
As baby teeth begin to come in through the gums, some babies become fussy, sleepless and irritable.
Diarrhea, rashes and a fever are not normal for a teething baby, so call your physician if you notice these symptoms.
If your baby has sore or tender gums as a result of teething, try gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a moist gauze pad, all of which can be soothing. A clean teething ring for your child to chew on may also help.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends that benzocaine products not be used for children younger than 2, except under the advice and supervision of a health care p rofessional.
Benzocaine is an over-thecounter anesthetic, usually under the product names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase.
Benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious — and sometimes fatal — condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in whic h the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced.
Seal out decay
As your child’s permanent teeth come in, talk to your dentist about having dental sealants applied to protect teeth from decay. A dental sealant is a clear material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay most often occurs. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting teeth from bacteria and the acid that attacks enamel.
Snacking and tooth decay
Today, Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before.
The average teenage boy in the
When sugar is eaten over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid. The acid in turn eats away the enamel on teeth and causes decay.
Risk reduction
Here are some tips to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay: Consume sugary foods and drinks with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
Limit between-meal snacks.
Try to offer nutritious food. Monitor beverage consumption. Rather than soda pop all day, children also should choose water and low-fat milk.
Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits.
Schedule regular, preventive
dental visits.
Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society inKent ,
Ottawa , Ionia ,
Mecosta and Montcalm counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists
also are members of the Michigan Dental Association.
Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in
