One of the most challenging aspects of the dental profession is educating patients. To merely treat cavities or gum disease is not to address the root cause of these problems. Individuals who understand their own role in the prevention of cavities and gum disease generally speaking have a much lower incidence of these diseases. These same individuals are often responsible for the care of young children. Therefore, it stands to reason that parents, who understand the importance of good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing, will instill this education in their own children. It is of the utmost importance then to both educate adults in oral hygiene and preventive measures, and then to educate them on how to aid their children in these practices.
Most parents if asked by a dental professional will respond that of course their children brush their teeth. Indeed this is probably true, however, another pertinent question might be; do you help them do it correctly? To properly clean teeth it is recommend that one brushes for 2 minutes twice daily. The skill required to properly angle the tooth brush at the gums at 45 degrees while ensuring that all surfaces are cleaned on all teeth is often beyond a young child. Flossing between the teeth correctly such that the inner surfaces of both teeth involved are cleansed is at times difficult for adults let alone children. The supervision or performance of oral hygiene for a child by a parent during the daily routine is a must.
For children under the age of four parents will need to do the majority of the actual cleaning themselves, however it is extremely important to have the child involved. Allowing the child to attempt to brush first, and then following up to ensure the teeth are clean is a good practice. It is crucial to remember that children do not always want to have their teeth brushed but this should not prevent the practice from occurring. As the primary care giver to a young child a parent has the responsibility to ensure the oral hygiene of their children. For older children, ages 4-11, an increasing amount of the actual cleaning will be done by the child. Supervision by a parent to ensure both occurrence and proper technique is still important.
Through patient education directed towards parents, children will learn proper oral hygiene techniques along with the importance of taking personal responsibility for preventing cavities and gum disease.
By Dr. Blair Brown
Mortenson Family Dental Dixie Highway
5222 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40216
502-449-7995
www.mortensonfamilydental.com
