Experts urge parents to focus on infant dental health
Dentists have urged parents to take better care of their children’s teeth, following a survey that revealed that 97 percent of parents were unaware of the importance of taking their children to see the dentist within the first year of their life.
The study, which was carried out by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, also revealed that only 37 percent of parents regarded their child’s dental health as a matter of concern.
In light of the findings, dentists have urged parents to look after their child’s teeth during the first year and teach them to brush their own teeth from an early age; getting children involved in oral hygiene will allow them to foster good habits, which will increase the likelihood of them enjoying good oral health in the future.
According to dentists, decay can start to develop as soon as the first set of baby teeth start to develop; most babies start to grow teeth at the age of six months and it is important that parents realise that they need to look after these teeth. Visiting the dentist is also important; it allows dentists to check the progress of the child’s teeth and also allows children to get used to going to the dentist and will help to reduce the risk of them suffering from anxiety or dental phobia further down the line.
In order to get children interested in oral hygiene, dentists recommend parents use brightly coloured, fun oral hygiene products; most brands have a range specifically aimed at children, which contains toothbrushes and toothpastes that have colourful designs and feature children’s favourite television and film characters. Parents can also brush their teeth alongside their children; this is an excellent bonding opportunity and will enable teeth cleaning to become an integral part of the daily routine.
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Not only is it important for the dental professionals to continue providing parents with this message, but just as important for those in the medical profession to do the same. It is more likely that a child will visit a medical care provider in the early years than a dental provider.
giving a very soft tooth brush for the baby to play with, to put it in his mouth and discover it, helps too devoloping this habbit by immitating the way he sees you brushing.
I’ve seen kids with mouths full of decay. It is truly sad to know that they are in pain due to their parents’ neglect and/or lack of knowledge.
Having a Dental Hygienist as a Granma has certainly helped my grandchildren, 5&6 years old, focus on good oral hygiene. Making brushing and flossing fun and praising good habits has yielded great results. I am amazed at what a good job they do. They love “Tom’s of Maine” toothpaste, DenTek’s Fun Flossers and I just purchased a “Kids” Sonicare for the 6 year old.
I supply them with fluoridated water from my house because the well water they are using lacks fluoride. My daughter and Son-in-law are both teachers so the children benefit from their example, attention and consistency in regard to all around good health. It certainly has paid off in perfect dental exams and happy patients. Now if someone can just tell me how to get a 5 year old to stop sucking his thumb!