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Good dental habits begin at a young age.
Parents and caregivers are the first defense in helping prevent tooth decay in Arizona’s youngest children.
February is National Children’s Dental Health month, which promotes the benefits of good oral health. Left untreated, tooth decay in young children’s primary teeth puts them at risk for future problems like damaged permanent teeth; increased vulnerability to infections in other parts of the body, such as the ears, sinuses and the brain; and, impaired speech development, and reduced self-esteem.
“Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease faced by young children,” said Joe Fu, First Things First’s Senior Director for Health. “It is also 100 percent preventable.”
Even though more and more toddlers and preschoolers are making that important first visit to the dentist’s office, challenges remain. According to a First Things First study, conducted in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, 52 percent of Arizona’s kindergartners have experienced tooth decay compared with 36 percent of 5-year-old children nationally.
FTF offers these tips for families of babies, toddlers and preschoolers:
• Clean your child’s teeth: When your baby’s first teeth come in, brush them after each feeding, especially before bedtime. Use a soft toothbrush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
When your child turns 3, you can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Prevent baby bottle decay: Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle at night or at nap time. The sugar in milk, formula, juices and soda can cause tooth decay. Beginning at 6 months, give your child water to drink to help keep their mouth clean and healthy.
• Serve healthy food and snacks: Sugary and sticky foods cause tooth decay, so give your child fruits, vegetables or cheese instead.
• Take your child to the dentist: By baby’s first tooth or first birthday, take them to the dentist to check that their mouth, gums and teeth are healthy.
About First Things First
First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit FirstThingsFirst.org.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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