Smile Insurance for Kids

Dental decay is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases among U.S. children. Tooth decay is 5 times as common as asthma and 7 times as common as hay fever in 5 to 17 year olds. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 51 million school hours, or about 8 million school days are lost each year because of dental-related illness. Nearly 3 times as many California elementary-school students have tooth decay as their peers across the nation. For example, in a recent dental screening in the Elk Grove Unified School District, we examined 779 students. 35% of the students were in need of dental care and 16% required urgent care.

Many parents are unaware of the important role early dental care plays in children’s overall health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents take action to insure the health of their children’s teeth to promote habits and attitudes essential to maintain a healthy smile to last a lifetime. Think of it as “Smile Insurance”!

Regular dental check-ups, including any necessary X-rays should begin within six months of the eruption of your child’s first tooth and no later than his/her first birthday. X-rays show how the teeth are developing and spot hidden decay.

Research shows that fluoride reduces cavities by up to 50% in children. Many communities fluoridate their drinking water, so check with your dentist about appropriate measures to make sure your children are receiving optimal fluoride levels.

Never fill your baby’s bottle with sugary liquids. This can lead to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. After feeding, clean baby’s mouth and gums with a damp washcloth.

Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They create a barrier between teeth and decay-causing bacteria found in plaque. They are most effective when applied to newly formed permanent teeth.

If your child plays sports, it is important to protect their smile with a custom designed mouthguard. Mouthguards provide protection to the athlete in several different ways. The most important function of a mouthguard is the prevention of concussion and brain and neck injuries. Mouthguards lessen tooth injury by about 90% and protect the tongue, lips, and cheeks from lacerations.

The 5 Steps To A Healthy Smile

• Don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit your dentist regularly for preventative checkups and cleanings
• Floss is the Boss. Floss your teeth once everyday.
• Eat and drink, but be sure to think. Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid sticky, sweet snacks.
• Be good to those gums. Keep an eye on your gums for signs of gum disease.
• To brush your smile, it takes a while. A thorough brushing job takes 2 ½ to 3 minutes.

The American Dental Association has a wonderful selection of educational topics for parents on their website, www.ada.org. The Kids Corner includes interactive games, puzzles, information sheets, coloring pages and movies.

Back