Tips for Preventing Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, yet they are preventable!
Remind parents when their child is due for a dental visit
Children should begin going to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, or after their first birthday. It is recommended that kids see their dentist every six months. Just like we remind parents of routine immunizations coming due, we can also remind them to schedule that dentist visit!
Help parents find an affordable dentist
Health care access can be a big barrier. One way that you can help is by referring parents to the right resources! Parents can search for a children’s dentist in their area by visiting www.aapd.org or by checking with the child’s medical doctor or local health department.
Incorporate books and toys about oral health
Going to the dentist is a common fear for children. One way to address that fear is through play or reading! Incorporating books and toys into your program that demonstrate toothbrushing are fun ways to teach kids oral health skills.
Learn about oral health in child care
Your CCHC Nurse Consultant can connect you to a website called Go NAPSACC that has an oral health module for 2.5 KDHE clock hours. You can learn not only about the importance of oral health in child care, but also get practical resources for incorporating toothbrushing into your own program.
Help the children brush their teeth every day
Brushing teeth daily with children may seem like a small thing, but it can prevent big problems. You may have questions or concerns about how realistic introducing toothbrushing into your program’s routine may be. You may wonder about cleanliness, germ sharing, or disruptive child behavior.
As your Child Care Nurse Consultants, we are here to answer your questions and provide you with individualized guidance and resources to help support you. We can help you create a plan for starting this new routine, and help you write a policy so parents can see all the wonderful work you are doing to support their kiddo’s dental hygiene!
