Parent’s guide to children’s dental health
- Nearly half of children in the U.S. have experienced decay, fillings, or missing teeth by age 9.
- Parents should start brushing their children’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears and begin flossing once two teeth touch.
- Parents can be better role models by practicing good dental hygiene alongside their children.
- Communities can help parents and families by educating them on the importance of oral health and providing resources to help them establish healthy habits at home.
February is Children’s Dental Health Month. Here are some tips and key points from Dr. Sean Sebourn at Leap Kids Dental to help parents and guardians develop healthy habits for kids’ tooth care.
How widespread are childhood cavities?
The 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 11% of U.S. children ages 2-5 have untreated cavities, while nearly 18% of children 6-8 suffer from untreated cavities in primary teeth. By age 9, almost half of children in the U.S. have experienced decay, fillings or missing teeth. Arkansas is ranked 51st out of all states, including the District of Columbia.
Why is early intervention necessary?
“Preventive care is essential,” Sebourn said. “The earlier it begins, the better. Problems often start sooner than parents expect, making it critical to establish good oral hygiene habits early in childhood. Building these habits prevents cavities and lays the foundation for overall health and well-being.”
How and when do you begin dental hygiene?
- Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use fluoride toothpaste from age 2. This helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
- As the child ages, fluoride treatments, available during dental visits, further support enamel health by remineralizing teeth and preventing cavities.
- Flossing should begin once two teeth touch.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after meals before brushing teeth helps protect tooth enamel from food acids.
Can diet impact the health of teeth?
Nutrition plays a vital role as well. Choosing tooth-friendly snacks like fruits and vegetables while limiting sugary drinks and processed foods can significantly reduce the risk of cavities.
What happens if good dental habits aren’t formed early?
Oral health issues are overlooked until they become visible or painful. Untreated dental problems can affect children, including pain, infections, and difficulties with eating, speaking, and concentrating in school. In the short term, it can impact academic performance as children with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school and struggle academically compared to their peers. Poor oral health has also been linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease later in life.
How can parents be better role models to help their kids develop good dental habits?
Children learn by example. When parents practice good dental hygiene — brushing and flossing alongside their kids — they set a positive example. Make a two-minute playlist to encourage children to follow the recommended brushing time.
Flossing is important. Without flossing, up to 80% of the area between the teeth remains unclean. Parents can help their children maintain healthy smiles by incorporating flossing into daily routines.
How can communities help parents and families?
Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations can collaborate to educate families on the importance of oral health and provide resources to help them establish healthy habits at home.
“Prevention isn’t about avoiding cavities — it’s about teaching children to build a strong foundation for overall health and well-being,” Sebourn said. “Early and consistent dental care empowers children to form healthy habits, reduces health disparities, and boosts confidence.”
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