1. THE OHIO DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESENTS:
A PARENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FOR INFANT AND TODDLER ORAL HYGIENE CARE

2. YOU AND YOUR CHILD’S MOUTH
YOU THE PARENT ARE IN CHARGE

3. ESTABLISH GOOD ROUTINES EARLY
Early childhood cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease
Dental health care begins even before the first tooth

4. INFANT CARE
Start brushing the infant’s teeth as soon as they come in with a soft toothbrush

5. BABY PRODUCTS
When the first tooth arrives start using infant tooth pastes twice daily

6. INTRODUCE FLUORIDATED TOOTHPASTE
Use a smear at less than 2 years
Use a pea size amount for ages 2-5 years
Always use an age appropriate soft bristle toothbrush
Brush at least 2 times a day: MORNING AND NIGHT

7. HELP IS NEEDED STARTING WITH THE FIRST TOOTH
Find fun alternative ways to help brush your child’s teeth

8. MAKE BRUSHING FUN Lean their head back in a high chair
Lay them on the couch
Sing silly songs
At first they may cry but brushing will soon become a fun time

9. The parents should brush the child’s teeth once a day until the child is about 9 years old or until they are able to brush independently.
Supervise and monitor as needed

10. BRUSHING 1)Brush the outside surfaces along the gum line
2)Brush both the upper and lower arches
3) Brush all the inside surfaces
4)And include brushing all the chewing surfaces
5) Brush your tongue

11. REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
Or after every illness

12. FLOSSING Should be started when the teeth have tight contacts
As a parent you should floss between your child’s teeth once a day
This will prevent cavities from starting between the teeth

13. DO NOT PASS GERMS
Avoid saliva sharing behavior between mother and child such as:
a baby drops their pacifier, the mother wipes it clean with her mouth and gives it back to her baby

14. In order to prevent the transfer of cavity producing germs also
Do not share eating utensils
Or cups with your baby

15. EARLY CHILDHOOD CAVITIES
Never put your child to bed with a bottle having any other liquid than WATER

16. EARLY CHILDHOOD CAVITIES
Your child’s chance of cavities increases when a child falls asleep with a bottle of:
milk
formula
juice
any sweet liquid
or if your child falls asleep breastfeeding

17. EARLY CHILDHOOD CAVITIES
At first you may notice small dark or white spots on the front teeth
But early tooth decay can and will affect the back teeth too.

18. When children “sip” on sugared drinks for extended periods, They are at a higher risk of decay

19. Sugar Consumption WHERE IS ALL THE SUGAR??
SIZE CUP
TSP SUGAR
Grape Juice
8oz
8 tsp
Apple
Juice
6 tsp
Orange Juice
Juicy
5tsp

20. LIMIT MILK TO MEAL TIMES
Although milk has calcium and vitamins, it too can have sugar
Drink milk only with meals : ”No Sipping”
8 oz glass white milk
has 2 1/2 tsp sugar
8 oz chocolate milk has 11 tsp sugar

21. Sodas contain high amounts of sugar

22. SODA ACID PH# SUGAR Mountain dew 3.22 11 tsp/12 ozs Pepsi 2.49
coke
2.53
9.3 tsp/ 12 ozs
Orange slice
3.12
11.9 tsp/12 ozs
Sprite
3.42
9.0 tsp/12 ozs
Minute maid grape soda
3.29
Gatorade
2.95
3.3 tsp/12 ozs
Diet coke
3.39
0.0 tsp

23. ACID IN SODA The lower the PH# the stronger the acid
Acid can wear away the enamel parts of your teeth
The lower the PH# the stronger the acid
Regular soda contains both sugar and acid
Heavy soda consumption is also linked to obesity, diabetes , and osteoporosis

24. LIMIT SWEET SNACKS
Encourage your child to develop good eating habits and choose nutritious snacks

25. Baby teeth The first tooth arrives around six months of age
Around the age of 2 years old, The child has all 20 baby teeth
The last baby tooth usually is not lost until the age of 10 to 12 years

26. Why are baby teeth important ?
Holds space for the permanent teeth
Helps form the shape of the child’s face
Helps the child to talk clearly
Makes eating and chewing easier

27. IF LEFT UNTREATED THEY CAN CAUSE:
pain
loss of space for the permanent teeth
damage the permanent tooth
infection that can affect the child’s total health
poor nutrition
missed school
costly dental appointments

28. FIRST DENTAL VISIT The first dental visit can be a pleasant experience
The dental hygienist will probably use a knee to knee approach

29. As the child gets older Dental Chair The Mirror Mr. Tooth Counter
He/she will be introduced to the:
Dental Chair
The Mirror
Mr. Tooth Counter
The “Spin Brush”
The suction “straw”

30. RECALL APPOINTMENTS
The child should go to the dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups or as instructed by your dentist

31. AS A PARENT YOU CAN BE A RESOURCE FOR A PLEASANT FIRST DENTAL EXPERIENCE
Avoid negative words about the dental experience
Always approach the dental office as a fun place to go
Read up on books about “Going to the Dentist”
Letting your child observe an older sibling who is a good role model

32. FLUORIDE IS PROVEN TO REDUCE TOOTH DECAY
Exposure to fluoride can be through
Toothpaste
Varnish
Topical application at the dental office

33. WHAT IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF FLUORIDE??
92% of Ohio’s public water supply is fluoridated
Tap water is the main source of fluoride
Put only water in their “Sippy” cups between meal times
Encourage your child to drink from a cup by their first birthday
So drink WATER! WATER ! WATER!

34. ACCIDENTAL LOSS 0F A BABY TOOTH
CALL YOUR DENTIST
No need to put the tooth back in
The dentist may take an x-ray to check the surrounding teeth and bone

35. ACCIDENTAL LOSS OF A PERMANENT TOOTH
CALL THE DENTIST
Put the tooth back into the mouth in it’s place and go to the dentist or
Place the tooth in a cup of milk until you reach the dentist

36. CONCLUSIONS
Visit a dentist shortly after the baby’s first tooth appears or by their first birthday
Brush 2 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste, morning and night
Help your child brush until they are approximately nine years of age or able to do a good job

37. Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle
Drink lots of tap water
Drink milk and juice with meals only
Limit the sweet drinks
Eat healthy snacks

38. We can all have a great smile !

39. THANK YOU AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
JOYCE BEATHARD-LIND RDH BA
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