Good oral health is something we all try to work on every day as a healthy mouth contributes to overall good health. But, at certain times of the year, the choices we make are even more important to our dental health. April is Oral Health Month in Canada and it's a great time to think about your family’s smiles!
For many families, last week included a special visit from the Easter bunny. It's common for a child's Easter basket to be filled with chocolate and candy. As a registered dental hygienist, my role is to help prevent tooth decay in children, so I’m always conscious of the effects these traditions have on children's mouths.
Baby teeth are very important and need to be well cared for; primary teeth can remain in a child's mouth until the age of 12. They help with chewing, speech, and allow the proper spaces for the adult teeth to come in.
It is important to know that sugars turn to acids in the mouth. If your child is eating candy throughout the day, numerous acid attacks are happening in the mouth. Constant sugar/acid exposure can wear down enamel and lead to dental decay. If untreated, this can cause pain, infection, and problems with eating and sleeping for the child. Decay is preventable and can be avoided.
You can help your children avoid getting cavities by limiting the amount of sugar they consume. If treats are offered, it's best they are given at meal time when there is more saliva to help maintain an optimum pH level in the mouth. It’s also a good idea to avoid sticky, chewy candy as it is harder to remove from tooth surfaces and it tends to stay in the mouth longer, leaving your child vulnerable to decay.
Some other tips to help prevent childhood cavities include:
- Offer a variety of healthy choices, including fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, and nuts.
- Limit sugar intake in snacks and drinks. Water is the best choice for thirst as fruit juices and pop have a very high sugar content.
- Brush your child's teeth with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste two times per day (morning and before bed). Introduce flossing to your oral hygiene routine.
- At times like Easter, offer alternatives to candy like stickers, tattoos, pencils, toys, or sugar free gum.
- See your dentist regularly.
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