Childrens Dental Health

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Childrens Dental Health

• Presentation by
• Laquita Alexander
• Undergraduate Intern

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• "Those who suffer the worst oral health include
  poor Americans, especially children and the
  elderly. Members of racial and ethnic groups also
  experience a disproportionate level of oral
  health problems.  And, those with disabilities
  and complex health conditions are at greater risk
  for oral diseases that, in turn, further
  complicate their health."
• Surgeon General
  David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.

http//www.perio.org/consumer/children.news.htm
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Facts

• Oral diseases are being called a silent epidemic
  among children
• 51 million school hours are lost each year to
  dental-related illness
• 44 million Americans lack medical insurance,
  while 108 million lack dental
  insurance

Picture provided by corbis.com
http//www.nidcr.nih.gov/NewsAndReports/NewsReleas
es/Archives/NewsRelease05252000.htm
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Facts

• Uninsured children are 2.5x less likely to
  receive dental care than those who are insured
• Children from families without dental insurance
  are 3x less likely
• Dental diseases can result in
  difficulty eating, breathing, speaking, and
  swallowing

http//www.nidcr.nih.gov/NewsAndReports/NewsReleas
es/Archives/NewsRelease05252000.htm
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Primary Teeth
Picture provided by corbis.com

• Even though primary or baby teeth fall out, it
  is important to take care of them
• There are 20 primary teeth
• Primary teeth
• Save place for permanent teeth
• Help the child speak properly

http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Secondary Teeth
Picture provided by corbis.com

• Replace primary teeth beginning at approximately
  6 years of age
• Known as permanent teeth
• 32 permanent teeth in all
• Last ones usually arrives by age 18
• Varies with individual

http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_teeth
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Snacking Tips

• To reduce bacteria build up
• Eat healthy snacks (fruit, cheese, etc)
• Serve sugar and starch as part of a meal rather
  than a snack
• Brush especially after eating sticky foods
  (cookies, pretzels, etc)
• If you cant brush, rinse with water
  several times

Picture provided by corbis.com
http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Brushing

• Once there are 4 teeth in a row, begin brushing
  2x a day
• Try to prevent swallowing toothpaste
• Wipe toothless gum areas with a clean washcloth
  or gauze

Picture provided by corbis.com
http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Brushing

• Allow children to brush their own teeth, but
  remember, they wont have the full coordination
  until they reach 6-8 years, so until that time,
  continue to help them brush their teeth

Picture provided by corbis.com
http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Flossing
Picture provided by corbis.com

• Removes plaque from areas that a toothbrush
  cannot fully reach
• Begin flossing as soon as the first two teeth
  touch
• Flossing daily is highly recommended

http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/BrushingandFlo
ssing/HowtoFloss.cvsp
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Baby-bottle Tooth Decay

• Occurs when teeth are exposed to sugars from
  carbohydrates for long periods of time
• Upper front teeth affected most often
• Usually occurs on back of tooth where it cannot
  be easily seen
• Infection may spread throughout the face

http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Baby-bottle Tooth Decay Prevention

• Dont put your baby to bed with a bottle
  containing anything other than water
• Make sure your baby is getting enough fluoride
• Dont dip the pacifier in sugary liquids
• Visit a dentist when the 1st tooth appears

http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Gum Disease

• Doesnt just occur in adults
• Children are less likely to develop a gum
  disease, but it is still common
• Risk Factors for Gum Disease Include
• Type I diabetes
• Down syndrome
• Papillon-Lefevre syndrome

Picture provided by corbis.com
http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Periodontal Disease

• Occurs when ones gums pull away from the tooth
  and form infected pockets
• Teeth grinding increases risk
• To prevent periodontal disease
• Establish healthy habits early
• Check mouth regularly
• Schedule regular dental appointments

http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Childrens Dental Health Month

• The month of February every year
• American Dental Association (ADA) observed the
  1st day of awareness on February 8, 1949
• Became a week-long event in 1955
• In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long
  celebration (National Childrens Dental Health
  Month)

http//www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp
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NCDHM Locally

• Local Observances hold coloring contests, fairs,
  screenings, etc
• The ADA has program kits prepared to assist with
  local promotion
• Click here to download this years coloring
  sheets

http//www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp
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Give Kids a Smile

• Every year, the 1st Friday of February
• Provides access to oral health education to all
  children
• Designed to serve low-income families
• Serves as the annual centerpiece of NCDHM

Picture provided by corbis.com
http//www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/gkas/index
.asp
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For more information

• Click here for a complete guide on Dental health
  care, age 0-18 years

http//www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Informati
on/OralHealthAtAnyAge/InfantsAndChildren/ToddlersC
hildren/YourChildsMouth.cvsp
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Resources

• American Dental Association
• has several resources available
• www.ada.org
• Center for the Study of Health Disparities
• 112 Harrington Tower, TAMU
• 979-845-3502

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Resources

• Web MD
• Contains medical definitions
• www.webMD.com
• Colgate Toothpaste
• Has more information and programs
• www.colgate.com