Monday, March 31, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Unit
First Visit by First Birthday
First Visit by First Birthday - the importance of early and regular visits to the dentist is the message for Oral Health Month (April). Parents should make sure infants see a dentist by their first birthday, even before they have all of their teeth. This starts a child on a lifelong path to a healthy smile.
First Visit by First Birthday will ensure the cleaning that children are getting at home is working. The dentist can find any problems right away and fix them. The child learns that going to the dentist helps prevent problems.
It is a common misconception that children do not need to see a dentist until they have all of their teeth, or when they are ready to go to school. Health Canada, the Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend a child’s first visit to a dentist by their first birthday.
Childhood tooth decay is a serious problem affecting 57 per cent of children, Oral Health – More Than Just Cavities, a report by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health (2012).
Children suffer pain and discomfort, lost days at school, poor nutrition and disrupted sleep from tooth decay. Ongoing poor oral health can affect a child’s self-esteem, growth and development, and speech and language skills.
Only half of mothers clean their baby’s mouth, gums or teeth daily. A quarter of mothers reported they NEVER cleaned their baby’s gums or teeth. Good oral health starts at birth.
Cleaning of children`s gums should begin before they have developed their first tooth.
Once teeth start to appear, brushing at least twice a day with a soft wet toothbrush should be routine.
Good oral health habits that include regular visits to a dentist can reduce early childhood tooth decay and support healthy teeth for life. For more information, call your dentist, or Public Health, visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca, or check us out on Facebook. No dental coverage? Public Health has free services for children and youth 17 and under. Call to see if you qualify.
Media Contact:
Denna Leach, RN, BScN, BEd, MA
Public Health Manager
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1462
d.leach@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
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