Special to the Sydenham Current
Did you know that children as young as 12 months old should start seeing a dentist?
Prevent cavities and oral health problems before they start.
From birth, parents should wash out their baby’s mouth with a wet cloth after every feeding.
Once teeth start appearing a toothbrush can be used to clean the child’s mouth.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first dental check within the child’s first year to help prevent cavities.
Visiting a dental office early creates a dental home for the child so they feel comfortable.
Toothaches and infections can come from cavities and can affect a child’s health.
Children with toothaches have trouble sleeping, poor growth, nutrition and behaviour problems.
This can affect a child’s self-esteem, ability to learn, communicate and socialize.
At home, families need to limit sweets, sugary drinks and juice.
Parents should choose healthy foods for their children by selecting fruits, vegetables, cheese and other healthy choices for snacks.
Children should have no more than 4 oz. of juice or sugary drinks in a day.
Drinking tap water between meals or when thirsty is the best choice for everyone.
Healthy snack and meal choices will help reduce your child’s chances of cavities.
Brushing your child’s teeth twice a day and flossing once is a routine you need to start early.
Parents should assist children with brushing until they are around the age of 8 to ensure all plaque is removed from the teeth.
Using a fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities.
Chatham-Kent Public Health can do first checkups for families without a family dentist or if you cannot afford to take your child to a dental office.
Call and book an appointment with a Registered Dental Hygienist for a first checkup.
Healthy Smiles Ontario is a program to assist families of low income with children under the ages of 18.
Chatham-Kent Public Health can assist parents in applying for Healthy Smiles Ontario, or you can apply on-line at ontario.ca/healthysmiles.
For more information on Healthy Smiles Ontario or to book an appointment for children under the age of 18.
Please contact us at 519-355-1071 Ext. 5700 or visit www.chatham-kent.ca.
