The CDC or Center for Disease Control has indicated that tooth decay, among U.S. children, is one of the most prevalent chronic infectious diseases. But CDC added that this disease, which starts early, is a preventable health problem. At age 5, 28% of children have already had decay in their primary or baby teeth. Decay afflicts half of the children by age 11. By the age of 19, 68% of the adolescents have tooth decay in their permanent teeth. It was found that children from low-income families have twice as much chance of having untreated decay than children from higher-income families. As a result of this widespread problem, the children's capacity to succeed in the educational environment are greatly reduced because of the effects associated with tooth decay such as pain, dysfunction, underweight, and poor appearance.
A healthy smile is a good indication of a happy child. Oral health experts are all in agreement that developing healthy smiles in children should start in infancy. CDC experts have promoted a set of pediatric oral health tips that if followed will significantly prevent tooth decay in any child and save the child from suffering embarrassment.
Pediatric Oral Health Tips
Start early. As soon as the first tooth appears, start with wiping to clean it daily with a clean, damp cloth. With more teeth coming out, switch to a small, soft toothbrush. You can start using toothpaste with fluoride when the child is 2 years old but in some cases depending on the child's development and if your doctor agrees to it toothpaste with fluoride can even be used earlier. Do not let a child under the age of 6 use fluoride mouth rinse unless the child's doctor or dentist recommends it.
Check with your child's doctor or dentist about your child's specific fluoride needs. At age 2, most children are getting the right amount of fluoride to help prevent cavities if they drink water that contains fluoride and brush their teeth two times daily with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste. If the drinking water does not have enough fluoride parents of children 6 months and older should get advise for the need of a fluoride supplement.
Everyone agrees that fluoride is an effective element for the fight against cavities. But for 6 years old and younger children, taking in too much fluoride can cause white spots to appear in the child's permanent health. This can always be remedied if you just allow your child to use only a small amount of toothpaste, the size of a pea, and ask the child to spit out and not to swallow the toothpase and rinse well after brushing.
Always supervise your child. Until your child has the ability to handle a toothbrush you should brush your child's teeth twice a day. After that you should continue to keep a watchful eye to make sure the child is doing a thorough job and using only a small amount of toothpaste.
As a parent be a good role model to your child by practicing good oral health care habits. And schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings.
Always watch for the signs of periodontal disease. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums or gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath.
Sedation Technique And Sedation Methods
If dentists or the dentist office causes your child anxiety or panic attacks you may consider using a sedation technique in order to relax him/her through the dental procedure.
Consult with the doctor to determine the best method to help reduce your child's stress level. There are several types of dental sedation methods being used by sedation dentists. They are oral sedatives, nitrous oxide sedation, intravenous (IV) sedation and general anesthesia. All of these methods provide sedation on varying degrees.
