A Guide for Good Oral Health Published Feb. 24, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Kristin Hays 66th Medical Operations Squadron HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Dental decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting 50 percent of children by middle childhood and nearly 70 percent by late adolescence, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Chronic gingivitis is also common among children. This is the mildest form of periodontal disease and is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene which leads to plaque buildup. Fortunately, most oral diseases can be prevented. The best way to ensure a child does not get cavities or periodontal disease is to instill proper oral habits early. Good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life. Dental professionals are valuable resources in promoting, establishing, and maintaining oral health in infants, children and adolescents. The first years - Oral health care is a job that begins even before a child gets his or her first tooth. Parents can help children get a head start on having a healthy mouth and smile by wiping infants' gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad after each feeding to remove plaque and food residue. - As soon as an infant's baby teeth come in, parents should clean them with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush. Children should not be put to bed with a bottle, unless it only contains water. - Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when children fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, juice or other sweet liquid in their mouths. This condition can also develop when children fall asleep while breastfeeding. The sugars from these liquids are left lingering on the child's teeth. Using these sugars as food, the bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack the teeth, causing decay. - A child's first oral health visit should come around his or her first birthday, or six months after the first tooth erupts. A dentist will check for cavities in the primary teeth and watch for developmental problems. Eruption patterns can vary; often teeth will erupt early or may be delayed. Parents are often concerned if their child's teeth are delayed in erupting. There is no correlation between the eruption of teeth and overall physical, social or intellectual development. Toddler teeth - When children are ages 2 or 3, parents can begin to teach proper brushing and flossing techniques. However, brushing and flossing will need to be monitored until age 7 or 8, when a child has the dexterity to do it alone. - Often there are natural spaces occurring between primary teeth. This is to allow space for the eruption of the permanent teeth which are larger than "baby" teeth. If spaces are present, there is no need to begin flossing until the teeth touch. This may occur in the molar areas first and parents should floss a child's teeth until 6 or 7 years old or the child can tie his or her own shoelaces. If there are no spaces between the teeth, flossing should begin early with adult assistance. Parents should monitor techniques and consistency. Preparing a child for an oral checkup With the help of the following tips, both children and parents can enjoy the trip to the dental office: - Schedule visits to the dental office at a time when a child is likely to be well rested and cooperative. · Never mention the words "hurt" or "pain" around a child when discussing an oral health visit. Saying, "It won't hurt," instills the possibility of pain into a child's thought process. · Do not discuss negative experiences in a child's hearing range. · Allow and encourage children to discuss any fears about oral health visits. Older children and oral health - When a child's permanent molars come in, usually around ages 6 and 12, parents should consider having sealants applied. Sealants are thin, protective, plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Research has shown that using sealants can reduce the incidence of cavities in the chewing surfaces of back teeth by more than 60 percent. - If a child has braces, there are a number of special orthodontic toothbrushes, floss threaders, and other interdental appliances to help keep spaces between teeth and arch wires clean. - Orthodontic appliances, such as retainers, also require daily care. Appliances should be soaked in a denture-cleansing bath, and then rinsed thoroughly before being reinserted into the mouth. - Gum health is essential throughout the time a child wears orthodontic appliances. More frequent visits to a dental health care provider may be needed to monitor the health of the gums. Smile Savers - One of the best ways to protect a child's smile is by practicing prevention. Mouth guards should be worn for all contact sports, sports that involve the use of a ball and any extreme sports like skateboarding or rollerblading. - A child's toothbrush should be changed three to four times a year, and after every illness to avoid bacteria and germs. The amount of sugar children eat should be limited, and parents should encourage snacks such as fruits and vegetables instead of candy and cookies. Snacking between meals should also be limited, and children should brush after snacks or meals. Parents should also set a good example by brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, scheduling regular oral health visits and continually reminding children about the benefits of good oral health and that a healthy mouth helps contribute to a healthy body.