“A Healthy Smile Lasts a Lifetime” - October is National Dental Hygiene Month.
Child Oral Health         Oral Health Nutrition
Preparing Children for Oral Check-ups

Sponsored annually by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) is a month-long observance of the importance of proper oral hygiene. Observed in October, with a specific theme chosen by ADHA, participating communities are given the chance to recognize the contributions of dental hygienists towards community outreach efforts. The 2006 topic is “A Healthy Smile Lasts a Lifetime.”  Specifically this year ADHA has decided to focus upon proper early childhood oral health care. With scientific indications pointing to a link between oral health and systemic disease it is important to establish good oral health routines at a young age so they can become part of a daily routine as children get older. And because dental decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood there will be a continued emphasis on the prevention of early childhood caries.
For more dental hygiene information visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association's website at www.adha.org.

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Child Oral Health
Cavity prevention is not the only concern parents should have when considering their children’s oral health. Recent studies show that periodontal disease continues to plague millions of Americans, including children. The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or gingivitis is to instill proper oral habits early. Good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life.

Registered dental hygienists may recommend these tips:
- Even before teeth begin to erupt, thoroughly clean your infant's gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant washcloth or gauze pad to stimulate the gum tissue and remove food. When the baby's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- A small amount of fluoridated toothpaste will help to inhibit decay. Fluoride is also found in mouth rinses, community water supplies, and in some foods.
- At age two or three, you can begin to teach your child proper brushing techniques. But remember, you will need to follow up with brushing and gentle flossing until age even or eight, when the child has the dexterity to do it alone.
- Schedule regular oral health appointments starting around your child's first birthday. Your oral health professional will check for cavities in the primary teeth and watch for developmental problems, as well as help to create a positive experience that may alleviate fear at future visits.
- Allow and encourage your child to discuss any fears he or she might have about oral health visits, but do not mention the words 'hurt' or 'pain'. Saying "it won't hurt" instills the possibility of pain in the child's thought process.
- Determine if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated. If there is not fluoride in your water, discuss supplement options with your dental hygienist.
- Ask your dental hygienist about sealant applications to protect the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth; and about baby bottle tooth decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugar-containing liquids for long periods of time.

For more dental hygiene information visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association's website at www.adha.org.

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Oral Health Nutrition
  At any age, a complete oral health home program includes sound nutritional habits. Many of the foods that help your body build strong muscles and bones also help build strong, healthy teeth and gums.
  Dairy products provide calcium and vitamin D for strengthening teeth and bones. Breads and cereals supply B vitamins for growth and iron for healthy blood, which in turn contributes to healthy gum tissue. Fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C (among other important vitamins) are essential to maintaining healthy gums.
  Lean meat, fish, poultry and beans provide iron and protein for overall good health, and magnesium and zinc for teeth and bones.
  And if you are among the million Americans who smoke, your dental hygienist will educate you about the hazards of tobacco and work with you to establish a smoking cessation program.
For more dental hygiene information visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association's website at www.adha.org.

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Preparing Children for Oral Checkups
With a little preparation, getting children ready for their first visit to an oral health care provider need not be an apprehensive experience, according to the American Dental Hygienists' Association.

There are a number of specific actions parents can take to help a child enjoy a first visit to the dental hygienist and dentist.

First of all, talk about the appointment in a positive way. This starts at home with parents setting a good example by brushing and flossing together with their children every day. Parents who may have had negative oral health care experiences should not communicate those feelings or any anxiety to children, as that will make them fearful.

Using a toothbrush, parents can demonstrate to a child how teeth might be cleaned by a dental hygienist. They can also explain that there will be some noise involved and that the oral health care providers will be wearing masks and gloves to protect themselves and the child from germs. In addition, dental hygienists recommend that parents let their children watch them get their own teeth cleaned. They will realize that if it doesn't hurt their parents, it will not hurt them.

ADHA says that most children should visit an oral health care provider for the first time at about age one and reminds parents that oral hygiene at home for children should begin at birth. This ritual should include thorough cleaning of the child's mouth and gums with either a gauze pad or infant washcloth after feedings and before bedtime.

Once the baby's primary teeth appear, parents can use a small, soft-bristled infant toothbrush dampened with water to clean them gently. Later, by the age of two or three, parents can teach their children how to brush with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Parents should continue to help their children care for their teeth until age seven or eight, when they have enough dexterity to brush and floss alone.

By helping children learn oral hygiene early, parents can help to prevent cavities and other oral health problems.
For more dental hygiene information visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association's website at www.adha.org.

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