Oral Health for Children
A couple of months ago I received a book entitled Alabama Early Learning Guidelines from the Alabama Department of Human Resources. I’m sure I was on their mailing list from my recent daycare ownership. Either way, I’ve found some really good stuff in the book that is worthy of sharing.
Today’s edition is just as the title suggests, about oral health. Here’s a few thoughts that most of us probably already know subconsciously but to make an effort daily and to help our children improve their own oral health is important. I remember being a youngster and hating the toothpastes that we had in our home. I’m sure there were some out there that were much more tasty but nothing like today’s versions of toothpastes. I’m amazed every time we go to pick out new toothbrushes and toothpaste. Who in the world thinks up this stuff?
- A child’s dental care begins before birth. The teeth develop during the 4th month of pregnancy. Wiping babies gums with a clean damp cloth after feeding will remove the plaque and bacteria than can harm erupting teeth.
- A child should see a dentist by his or her first birthday. (This is a commonly debated issue in my area. Our local pediatric dentist (yes, we only have one) doesn’t recommend seeing patients until they are at least three).
- Eating smart is good for the child’s teeth and foods like raw vegetables, fresh fruits or whole grain crackers and breads are lower in sugar and have more nutritional value than some of the more common foods that children prefer.
So, yea, see, you probably already knew all that, but sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder or two thrown in for good measure.
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
By their first BIRTHDAY!!
you have got to kidding!
November 9th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
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