Kids Korner!

Kids today have it better than ever when it comes to dental care. In the past fifty years changes in the field of dentistry have lead to overall fewer cavities, especially in children (ADA).

Back in the 1950s, and even through the 70s, children were told to brush after every meal. Now we tell children, and adults, to brush twice a day and floss daily. Research has found that adding flossing, even though brushing only twice a day, significantly helps with oral hygiene. And unlike decades past, the use of fluoride in products and drinking water has added to dental protection.

Fluoride is extremely effective in preventing tooth decay. When added to local water systems, in the correct amounts, it is the single most effective measure taken to preventing cavities and improving oral health. Not just for a day or two, but over a person's entire life. However, fluoridated water, while effective, still needs the help of daily brushing and flossing to remove deposits between teeth.

Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways, after fluoride water, to get the benefits of fluoride. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste ensures that food particles are removed and fluoride gets in between teeth. Parents should watch their children brush to make sure they get the front, back, and tops of their teeth while brushing. Also, children should not be allowed to swallow toothpaste, and children under six should only use a single dab of toothpaste no bigger than a pea.

Another improvement has been the use of dental sealants. Sealants are a clear, viscous material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. Usually the sealant is used on the back teeth where food can be missed when brushing or flossing. Some people who had a sealant applied as children have never gotten a single cavity in those teeth, even well into their 30s and 40s.

A child's visit to the dentist should be pleasant. It is recommended that a child start seeing the dentist on their first birthday, before any dental problem starts and throughout teeth and jaw development. Catching problems early will make the treatment much easier and less stressful on the child. Also, starting young with positive experiences will make future visits to the dentist as normal as keeping other appointments, and more fun for both parent and child.