News Release
For Immediate Release: February 1, 2009
Contact Person: Cynthia Heselbach, RDH, 301-334-7660
February is Children's Dental Health Month
Did you know that tooth decay, or cavities, is the most common chronic disease found in children? It is five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever.
Each year, more than 51 million school hours are lost due to dental related problems. According to the National Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 18 percent of 2 to 4 year old children have experienced tooth decay, and 16 percent have untreated tooth decay. By age 17, more than seven percent of children have lost at least one permanent tooth due to decay. In Maryland, 31 percent of kindergarten and third grade children have tooth decay. If tooth decay remains untreated, it causes pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning.
Fortunately, with good oral health care habits, tooth decay can be prevented. Taking care of your children's teeth – including baby teeth – from the very start is the key!
“A child should visit the dentist when his or her first tooth appears, or by his or her first birthday,” said Rodney Glotfelty, Health Officer, “and it is important for parents to teach their children good oral health care habits, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, eating nutritious foods and regular visits to the dentist.”
Steps such as these will help ensure that children will have a healthy mouth, as well as a healthy body. It is important that parents supervise brushing until children are seven or eight years old. Since children learn oral health care from their parents, it is also important that parents serve as a role model and practice good oral health care habits.
“Encourage children to brush twice daily for two minutes for a healthy mouth and visit the dentist regularly,” said Glotfelty.
For more information about oral health programs and services available in Maryland and in your local area, visit the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health Web site at www. fha.state.md.us/oralhealth/ or contact Garrett County Health Department, 301-334-7660.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
• Use a wet cloth to wipe baby's gums after each feeding
• Use a soft brush or cotton swab to clean baby's teeth daily.
• Do not put a baby to bed with a bottle, but if you do, use only water in the baby's bottle.
• Schedule children's first dental visit when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday.
• Provide children with healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables.
• Supervise while children brush their teeth until seven or eight years of age. Use toothpaste with fluoride and encourage children to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing.
• Ask your children's dentist about the need for fluoride treatments.
• Ask about dental sealants when your children's permanent teeth come in.