Along with the rewards of parenthood come the challenges. Added to today’s challenges are soaring costs for groceries, gas, and healthcare. These can put quite the strain on raising children to ensure all needs are met.
Whether you have school-age children in your care or not, it seems the school year calendar sets a “back to normal” pace for most households. With this, we are all reminded that certain routines in our lives are helpful in managing day-to-day tasks. Thus, I’d like to take this opportunity to help busy parents help their children have good oral health while minimizing risks for dental costs.
Routines are good things. This was recently illustrated during the Covid pandemic. One survey found that over 50% of Americans say the pandemic and working/studying remotely uprooted at-home oral hygiene commitments. The findings showed:
• 31% were snacking more on sweets
• 1 in 4 said they waited until later in the morning to brush their teeth (with 21% admitting to not brushing in the morning at all)
• Of those who floss, 24% were flossing less frequently and 23% admitted to no longer flossing
• 43% of Millennials (ages 25 – 40) said working from home or virtual classes led to less stringent dental hygiene
Hopefully, Americans have resumed diligent oral care routines. And, for parents, it’s particularly important to make this a priority for every member of the household. After all, preventing problems such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease is much more economical than treating the problems that can result.
Getting your children and teens to not only brush twice a day, but to do so thoroughly, typically takes some effort. Like anything, it’s best to start with children at an early age. However, it’s never too late to instill the confidence of having a healthy smile and having performed a good job. Below are some tips that may help motivate your child(ren) at the sink:
♦ Involve your child in the fun part of oral care by allowing them to select their own toothbrush and toothpaste at the store. Be open to various flavored and colored toothpastes, even those with sparkles, etc. As long as they contain fluoride and are sugar-free (ideally sweetened with Xylitol), your child should be able to pick one that meets with your approval.
♦ Make sure your child can have a close-up view in the mirror. Purchase a sturdy stool and, ideally, brush along with them so they can mimic your wrist movements to angle the toothbrush.
♦ Use words of praise generously. Findings of a study on positive reinforcement focused on the impact of parental praise in a child’s mastery of tooth brushing on their own. Provide guidance in holding the toothbrush at different angles to reach the front and back, and inside and outside of upper and lower teeth. (This takes practice over time, so be patient.)
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-good-job-teeth-parent-children.html
♦ Use a timer at the sink so your child is spending sufficient time on teeth and (hopefully) reaching all of them. The rule of thumb should be the same for children as it is for adults – 2 minutes per brushing.
♦ After brushing, make brushing the tongue a fun way to conclude. Tongue brushing helps to remove a tremendous number of bacteria in the mouth. Show them how to swish and spit after.
♦ Daily flossing should begin when the sides of teeth start to touch. Until your child is able to floss on his/her own without popping floss against tender gum tissues, have them watch you floss their teeth while they hold a hand mirror. In time, they can try easy-to-reach teeth using the technique you’ve shown them.
If you have a child or teen who is involved in sports (especially team sports), it only takes seeing a few youngsters with broken or knocked-out teeth to understand why our Macomb County dental office is a strong proponent of custom-made mouth guards.
These comfortable oral appliances can greatly reduce or prevent trauma that can be otherwise rather severe. A customized mouth guard can prevent tooth loss, trauma, or fractures to the jaw bone, and even reduce the risk for concussion.
Custom-designed mouthguards – versus bulky, boil-&-bite types – are comfortable to wear, which increases compliance. Custom-fitted versions also stay in place better, so they are more effective at doing what they’re ultimately intended to do.
However, if a dental mishap does occur, the following tips may help minimize the damage and even save a tooth:
A bite or cut to the tongue, lip, or cheek
If there is no or minimal bleeding, begin by applying a cold compress to bruised areas for 15 minutes and rest for 15 minutes, for one hour. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. Bleeding that continues after 15 minutes or is not controlled by simple pressure needs prompt attention at an urgent care center or emergency room.
A permanent tooth that is knocked out or dangling
Time is a critical factor in saving a tooth. First, if the tooth is retrievable, handle it carefully and minimally in case it can be reinserted. Avoid holding it by the root and gently rinse it. If possible, reinsert the tooth in its socket and bite down lightly on a clean gauze or cloth to hold it in place. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of milk or water and call us immediately.
A broken or chipped tooth
Save any broken tooth fragments. Gently rinse the injured area with warm water and place a cold compress over it to reduce or prevent swelling. Call our office immediately for instructions.
Suspected broken or fractured jaw
If you feel your jaw is fractured or broken, avoid moving it by tying a tie, towel, or handkerchief underneath the chin and over the top of the head. Go immediately to the nearest urgent care center or emergency room. Here, they can also check for signs of a concussion.
Contact that causes a tooth to ache
Gently swish with warm, salty water. Avoid putting aspirin or other pain relievers on the gums or the aching tooth. If there is swelling of the face, use a cold compress for 15 minutes on, and 15 minutes off until swelling subsides. Take acetaminophen for pain and call us as soon as possible for instructions. If after normal hours, our phone system will give instructions on how to reach us.
As a Shelby Township dentist and the parent of two sons, I appreciate the commitment required of parents to oversee so many aspects of their growth. When it comes to their smiles, I can’t think of a better “reward.” As a parent, knowing I’ve had a hand in helping them enjoy the lifelong benefits of good oral health gives me satisfaction every time I see their handsome, smiling faces!
Our Shelby Township dental office is always pleased to welcome new patients of all ages. In addition to general dentistry and treatment of gum disease, we offer complete dental care for all ages. Dental services also include dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Crown & Bridge, and treatment of TMJ disorders.
We also have a reputation for helping people who struggle with dental fears and offer Oral and I.V. Sedation (“twilight sleep”). We will be happy to explain these options and the many ways we make every visit easy and pleasant.
Call 586-739-2155 or tap here to begin with a no-cost, private consultation to discuss the needs and goals of you and your family. You may want to “tour” our office beforehand through a brief video: DrBarbatOfficeTour
