Clean teeth and gums can add up to a clean bill of health.
Your child's smile may hold the keys to good health. Taking care of little teeth plays a big role in supporting the immune system and preventing illness in children, says Stella Kahn, DDS, of Woodland Hills, California. Cleaning the teeth by brushing and flossing flushes out toxins that cause inflamed gums (gingivitis) and potentially other illnesses as well. Here's what parents need to know.
The Important Job of Dental Care
Cavities and gum disease are caused by bacteria that live in our mouths but travel throughout our bodies, causing sickness, says Kahn. Every year children lose 51 million hours in the classroom due to dental-related illnesses.
Children with poor oral health may experience:
- Impaired speech development
- Nutritional deficiencies because of problems eating
- Reduced self-esteem
"Dental problems can also impact their ability to learn and concentrate," says Max Anderson, DDS, and national oral health advisor for Delta Dental Plans Association.
Guidelines for that First Visit
Anderson recommends bringing your baby to the dentist six months after they get their first tooth, but no later than age 1. If children are nervous as they get older, Kahn suggests the following pep talk. Say...
- The child will get a fun ride in a chair that goes up and down.
- The dentist will see how pretty and white her teeth are and will take some pictures.
- A bright light like sunshine will help the dentist see every tooth-so bring sunglasses for fun!
Tips for Making Brushing Fun
Adequate brushing can be a challenge for kids. Make it something to look forward to with these ideas from Anderson and Kahn:
- Trade places: Let your child brush your teeth to learn how to do it correctly.
- Take turns: Have the kids brush their teeth for 30 seconds, then you brush theirs for 30 seconds. Repeat taking turns at least twice.
- Set an example: Children love to imitate their parents. If they see you brushing and flossing regularly, chances are they'll want to as well.
(Just be sure to help or supervise so the job gets done right!)
More Suggestions For Better Brushing
To help your child learn more good habits for dental health, visit our Brushing Teeth Milestone Made Easy.