Baby's smile first step to overall health

For THE HERALD

Healthy smiles are a sign of healthy children. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, so parents should make oral health a priority today.

Of the 4 million children born each year, more than half will have cavities by the time they reach the second grade. Children need their teeth for smiling, talking, and eating food. Children with healthy mouths have a better chance of general health.

Poor oral health can interfere with eating, speaking, self-esteem and daily activities. Children with dental pain my be unable to concentrate in school. Decayed teeth don’t look nice and can affect a child’s appearance and self-esteem.

A parents oral health also affects a child’s overall health. If a parent has decay and doesn’t take care of their own teeth, they may not encourage their children to take care of their oral health. Teaching your children the importance of good oral health will provide them with healthy smiles for a lifetime.

Here are 10 ways parents can protect baby’s smile:

- Lift the lip

Parents should check their baby’s teeth monthly to look for signs of decay.

- Take your baby to the dentist

High risk children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday. All children should see a dentist by age three.

- Protect your baby’s teeth with fluoride

Fluoride strengthens the tooth structure providing a protective effect.

- Brush daily

Clean infant gums and first teeth with a moist cloth or a small soft toothbrush.

- Limit sugar

Increased frequency and exposure to sugar increases the likelihood of tooth decay.

- No bottles in bed

- Wean from bottle to cup by 1 year old

- Don’t share germs

Parents should not share toothbrushes with their children and they should not lick a pacifier before putting it in their child’s mouth.

- Assist with brushing up to age six

- Parents should take care of themselves

Children learn good oral health habits by watching their parents.

Healthy teeth begin at birth. As soon as the first tooth can be seen, parents should begin to clean their child’s mouth daily.