JUMPSTART POSITIVE Oral Health

Ahealthy mouth is a lifelong journey, and it has implications on many other areas of physical health. So, when should you start instilling positive oral hygiene habits into your kids? According to Elizabeth Welsh of Kids Care Dental, “Positive oral health starts from day one. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends having your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or the eruption of their first tooth.”

And in that month leading up to their first dentist visit, there is more parents can do. Wiping away breast milk or formula residue and running a gentle washcloth over gums is a good first step. Not only does it help limit bacteria in the mouth, but it gets babies used to having their mouth cleaned, which will make that first appointment much easier!

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

“Most first dental appointments are a quick checkup, with an educational component for the caregiver,” Welsh says. X-rays won’t happen until kids are a bit older, unless there is cause for concern. Establishing a dental home, where kids can get comfortable with their provider, will help ease anxieties surrounding dental appointments.

Before your child is old enough to understand their own oral needs, parents can help by educating themselves on good behaviors and modeling them in front of their child, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and attending their own dentist appointments. Then, encourage similar behaviors in your children. “Offer children healthy snacks and drinks and encourage regular brushing and flossing,” Welsh suggests.

Foods that won’t cause cavities are raw, crunchy vegetables, nuts, nut butters, meats, eggs, leafy vegetables, and cheese. And while you likely already know sugary foods are a culprit, be wary of cavitycausers you may not expect like dried fruit, pretzels, oranges and bananas, dried flour cereals, and crackers.

Drinking water with snacks, avoiding drinks aside from water, and making sure your child gets enough vitamin D can all help. It’s also important to help your child brush and floss until they are capable of doing it on their own, at about age 6 or 7, and opting in on fluoride application every six months.