Parents: Good Dental Hygiene Starts In Childhood

Most adults know the importance of good dental hygiene, but some parents fail to recognize the importance of brushing their child’s teeth twice a day.

It is incredibly important that parents assist children as soon as they begin , and recently the media has been flooded with stories about pediatric dentistry.

A few weeks ago, I was appalled watching a segment on the Today Show which reported an increase of cavities in young children. In fact, many preschoolers have had 6-10 cavities! Their story highlighted a 5-year-old who was being treated for multiple cavities, and also reported that some children even need anesthesia because their dental issues are so severe. 

The New York Times had a similar story about a 2.5-year-old toddler who had to endure general anesthesia to treat 11 cavities in his mouth. He needed to have two of the teeth pulled, a root canal and fillings for the remaining cavities. This story absolutely shocked me!

It’s easy as a parent to feel that these are baby teeth and will eventually be replaced by a child’s adult teeth, so skipping a brushing here or there isn't a big deal. But these news stories make the message clear—there is no excuse for not brushing.

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin stated in a press release last week that “tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic condition affecting our nation’s children,” and he is advocating to guarantee oral health coverage.

Parents need to be involved in their child’s brushing. My pediatric dentist still recommends that I assist my 5-year-old in brushing his teeth. I help my kids start brushing their teeth, and then they can finish on their own. This way I can make sure they don’t rush the process or miss teeth.

My youngest went to the dentist for the first time this year, he’s 2, and my older boy had his first dental appointment at age 3. But some dentists and pediatricians are recommending that a child be seen around their first birthday, stating that early detection of problems and decay is essential.

When my oldest was a toddler, he hated to brush. I admit there were days that I didn’t even bother because he would fight me. I realized I wasn’t going to on my own, and found a rewards calendar from Chuck E. Cheese which helped my son want to brush his teeth. I explained to him that if he brushed his teeth each day he’d earn a sticker. Then we could go to the restaurant and he’d get extra tokens—bingo.

In the end, my son realized that brushing wasn’t so bad. We rewarded him with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, and never had another fight about brushing teeth. However you motivate your child to brush, just make sure they do it and are seen regularly by a dentist.

Has your child had a cavity? At what age did you start your child with a dentist? Tell us in the comments.