Tooth Decay Prevention – Start Early!
Tooth Decay Prevention - Start Early! | Kids Toothbrush Club
Recent reports show that cavities among children are on the rise and dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease with more than 16 million kids suffering from untreated tooth decay in the US, according to the Milwaukee Community Journal.
With all the options we have today, there are several different ways to prevent tooth problems versus having to remedy them. A big misconception of tooth decay is that it occurs at an older age, but the truth is that tooth decay is the number one threat facing children today. One-fourth of tooth decay affects children ages 2 to 4, and half of kids age 12 to 15. This can cause complications such as tooth loss, severe pain, chewing problems, tooth abscesses as well as bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing infections in other parts of the body. It also makes a more costly dental bill—at any age.
Lucky for you and your child, taking the preventative measures only takes 5 minutes a day. Dentists can’t stress enough the importance of brushing more than once a day, more than twice a day, but after every meal. The plaque that builds up after every meal not only causes tooth decay but also bad breath. Since most kids can’t handle the toothbrush by themselves until age 4 or 5, parents must help them until they develop the skills necessary to brush their teeth by themselves. After that, it’s suggested to supervise your children to make sure they’re doing a thorough job. They should also use a new toothbrush each month as their toothbrush accumulates bacteria quickly. Each month, Kids Toothbrush Club will send your child a brand new toothbrush, along with motivational tools and educational material about good oral health.
Fluoride plays a huge factor in the prevention of tooth decay. After age two, Dentists suggest children can begin to use a pea sized amount of toothpaste. Fluoride provides a barrier that protects children’s teeth from bacteria. At a young age, sending a baby to bed with a bottle immediately starts bad habits. The sugar from the liquid pools around their teeth attracting bacteria which produces acids that damage the teeth and lead to tooth decay. Diet is also imperative in avoiding tooth decay. Stay away from the three S’s—sugar, starch and soda! Tooth decay can be linked with other diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
The best thing we can do for our kids is to instill good habits with brushing, flossing and a good diet. Teaching them good oral health basics with a monthly kit from Kids Toothbrush Club will get them started on a lifetime of tooth decay prevention. “Because every child deserves a healthy smile.”
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