February is Children's Dental Health Month 02.012011
For Immediate Release:
Please contact:
Terry Krohn, Director
Two Rivers Public Health Department
701 4th Avenue, Suite 1
Holdrege, NE 68949
308-995-4778
1-888-669-7154
February is Children’s Dental Health Month
"Children's oral health has a direct impact on their ability to learn," says Terry Krohn, Director of Two Rivers Public Health Department. "If children are in pain from toothaches, they are not able to concentrate and focus on the material in class. If they have to miss school due to dental problems, they are more likely to fall behind. Emphasizing 'brush, floss, rinse, and chew sugarless gum' can help children get into a routine of dental care, because it's simple and easy to remember."
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, early tooth loss results in impaired speech development, absence from and inability to concentrate in school, failure to thrive and reduced self-esteem. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children and parents need to insist on proper oral care, no matter how defiant a child gets.
Children experiencing toothaches are distracted and unlikely to score well on tests. Because the decay has developed over time and they have become used to it, they are also often unable to communicate their pain. Some of the side effects of pain are anxiety, fatigue, irritability, depression and withdrawal from normal activities.
Here are some suggestions for parents and caregivers:
- Parents should help their children with brushing and flossing. Children don't have the fine motor skills needed to brush properly until ages 6 to 8, and aren't able to floss correctly until age 10. Use pea-sized amounts of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Schedule brushing, flossing and rinsing at times when your child is not tired.
- Let your child be involved by picking toothpaste and toothbrushes from options you approve.
- Use positive reinforcement and find out what will motivate your child into brushing and flossing. This may be a sticker or gold stars on a chart, which can also keep them on track.
- Parents should schedule dental appointments before one year of age to receive guidance from their dental professionals in the proper care of their children’s teeth.
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