promoting oral health in child care cchc lexington march 2011
TRANSCRIPT
Promoting Oral Health in Child Care
CCHC LexingtonMarch 2011
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most common infectious disease of childhood
It can interfere with eating, sleeping, speaking, learning, playing, & school readiness
Tooth decay is a disease
Dental Caries
Severe Early Childhood Caries
Tooth decay, if left untreated, can demineralize the tooth to the pulp and cause an abscess, which can be life threatening
Severe complications of
decay
Eruption PatternsPri
mary
teeth
Eruption PatternsPe
rmanent
teeth
Teething
Caregivers should be cautioned about the use of teething products that contain the numbing agent, Belladonna
Teething
Teething rings are recommended over other remedies
Baby teeth are essential for◦Good nutrition◦Language development◦Self esteem
Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth
Baby teeth are important
Do not let a child fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, juice
Only put children to sleep with bottles containing water
Baby bottle tooth decay
Infants◦Wipe gums gently after
feeding using a clean, wet cloth or strip of gauze
◦Brush baby teeth ~ 6 months, after first eruption, with a soft-bristled toothbrush
What care is appropriate?
Toddlers and preschoolers◦Brush teeth with a soft, child-sized toothbrush◦Use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste◦Wipe off excess toothpaste until the child is old enough to
rinse independently ◦Children can start the brushing but need an adult’s help to
do it thoroughly◦Supervising adults should wash their hands after assisting
each child
What care is appropriate?
What care is appropriate?
Demonstration of proper assistance
School-age children◦Allow children to brush their own teeth with supervision◦The supervising adult may need to finish the job for some
children, ensuring that all tooth surfaces are reached◦Children need supervision and may need help with
brushing until they are at least 8 years old
What care is appropriate?
Each child will need a toothbrush labeled with his or her name
Use a rack for storage where toothbrushes can be suspended with space between so brushes do not contact each other
What equipment is needed?
Storage Equipment
Angle bristles toward the gum marginUse light pressure with a circular motionBiting surfaces also need to be brushed
Toothbrushing Technique
Importance of water: Fluoride
Drinking tap water allows for fluoride to become systemic and protect the whole tooth
Have children rinse with water after meals and snacks
Oral care can easily be incorporated into a program’s daily routine
To emphasize that oral care is an important habit, schedule toothbrushing at the same time each day
Rinse teeth with water after eating
Make oral health a daily routine
Serve tooth-friendly snacks: cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables
Avoid soda, sweetened drinks, sweet treatsDilute juices with waterIf children eat sweet, sticky foods, brush or rinse
with water afterwardsEducate families that children need regular dental
checkups
Steps to oral health
Information provided by
KIDS SMILEOral Health Training Program
Department for Public HealthCabinet for Health ServicesCommonwealth of KentuckyFrankfort KY 40621-0001
Division of Dental Public HealthCollege of DentistryUniversity of KentuckyLexington, KY 40536-0297
http://www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/Curricula/oral%20health_11_v8.pdf
California Childcare Health Program