Keeping Our Children’s Teeth Healthy

Did you know that almost half of second graders have tooth decay?  I had no idea!  I also had no idea that 51 million school hours were missed last year due to lack of proper dental hygiene!  That is kind of scary!  I have good news for you though.  Tooth decay CAN be PREVENTED with proper education and preventative care.  Trident gum and Smiles Across America have joined forces to help provide the dental care that kids need to keep them happy and healthy.  Smiles Across America is the signature program from Oral Health America that supports dental services to thousands of children in underserved communities nationwide.

Back in November, a group of bloggers had the opportunity to participate in a webinar with actress and mother of three, Jennie Garth and Dr. Daniel Jones, Professor and Chair, Department of Public Health Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry.  This briefing was hosted by Trident gum.  In the briefing, the two shared simple tips and suggestions on how you can help your kids maintain a healthy mouth and a bright smile, as well as teach and help kids to have proper oral care and treatment.

Jennie has been working with Trident and Smiles Across America for a year to raise awareness for proper dental care of children.  She recommends that as parents, we set an example by taking care of our own teeth.  Routine is also very important – brushing teeth in the morning and at night, as well as flossing.  Good oral hygiene can affect your child’s confidence in the future, as well as their physical health.  She tries to create balance with healthy food, such as a carrot and a cookie.  She also encourages her kids to eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. To ensure optimal dental health, she recommends visiting a Chicago Loop dentist.

Here are some tips from Dr. Daniel Jones.  If pregnant, be sure you have good oral health yourself.  With a baby, use a wet washcloth to wipe down their gums and tongue to remove milk residue.  Don’t ever put your baby to bed with a bottle containing anything other than tap water.  Juice, milk, or formula could lead to tooth decay.  If you have little children, be sure your child gets some sort of fluoride, whether it’s through fluoride in your water or fluoride tablets.  Also, be sure to supervise your child or brush your child’s teeth to be sure that they are brushing properly.  It is also recommended to take your child to his or her first dental visit at age 1. If his or her teeth alignment needs to be corrected, you may ask your dentist which type of kids braces or dental crowns best suits your kid’s needs. You may also look into wisdom teeth surgery. Avoid giving your child sweets in between meals, as these can contribute to an increase in tooth decay.

I received a variety pack of gums from Trident gum as a part of this campaign.  All opinions are 100% mine.