News for Families
Winter 2009
2 Sippy cup dangers
4 A child’s steps toward recovery
6 Booster seat helped save Destiny
Vol. 33, No. 1
Help for the most common childhood disease: Tooth decay “ Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, yet 90 percent of all tooth decay is preventable,” says Gordon Womack, DDS, medical director of Dayton Pediatric Dentistry at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. The Kohl’s A Minute for Kids campaign focuses on dental health during January and February. “It is well A Healthy known that Minute cavities in primary teeth – or baby teeth – increase the risk of the permanent teeth also developing a disease,” he explains. Dr. Womack points out that when children are in pain from tooth problems, that pain can directly or indirectly affect their ability to speak, eat, sleep or pay attention. Preventing problems starts with early dental care. When should you introduce toothbrushing to your child? When should you schedule the first visit to the dentist? “Parents should begin oral hygiene with their child when the first tooth erupts,” Dr. Womack says. Shortly
after that first tooth breaks through, make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit occur shortly after the first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s first birthday. Parents can begin brushing their child’s teeth and gums with a small soft-bristle brush anytime. This helps children get used to having their mouths examined. Pediatric dentists have special training and experience in caring for infants, children and adolescents. Their offices feature child-sized equipment and furniture, which helps make children more comfortable and facilitates treatment. Four ways to make toothbrushing fun 1. Brush teeth during bath time, which is usually fun for children. 2. Decorate an egg timer or sand
timer and set it for two minutes. Have children watch the timer the entire time they brush. continued on page 3…