a child's smile

(SPM Wire)  Getting kids off on the right track when it comes to dental health can mean more than a pretty smile as they get older - it can be critical to their overall health.

As tooth decay rises among the nation's preschoolers, the American Dental Association (ADA) is urging parents to begin taking their children to the dentist early in life. The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. 

"Oral health is such an important part of a child's overall good health, and yet it can be overlooked in young children" says Ann Kunkel, DDS, of Mendon Dental Center, in Mendon, NY. "Children's teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with proper care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits, children can have a lifetime of healthy smiles."

Preventive care such as cleanings and, if necessary, fluoride treatments provide children with ”smile” insurance. And routine dental exams can uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal.  Baby bottle tooth decay, for example, can destroy children's teeth. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk, fruit juice, and other sweet liquids. Dr. Anna Belous of Brighton’s Contemporary Dentistry, PLLC, recommends the following steps to prevent your child from getting early childhood caries (tooth decay): 

* Begin oral care early. Wipe a baby's gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze pad after each feeding. 

* Babies and toddlers should finish their naptime and bedtime bottles before going to bed. Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, or sweetened liquids or a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey. 

* Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday. 

* Don't let children constantly sip on sugary liquids (including milk and juice) from training (sippy) cups. Offer these liquids at mealtimes. 

* Help your child develop good eating habits early and choose nutritious snacks. 

Dental sealants are used to protect chewing surfaces from tooth decay, the single most common chronic childhood disease. Your dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying sealants to your child's teeth. 

A sealant is a clear or tooth-colored plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. Sealants protect normal depressions and grooves in the teeth called pits and fissures, which are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. 

Any child involved in a recreational activity such as soccer, hockey, football, roller blading, riding a scooter, and even bicycling should wear a mouth guard. There are ”stock” mouth guards available in stores, and also a better-fitting variety, which is custom fitted by your dentist. Ask your dentist about using a mouth protector.

For more oral health information, visit www.mendondental.com, www.dentistrywithaheart.com, or the ADA's website at www.ada.org.