This Fall, Make Oral Hygiene A Part Of Your Child’s Routine

The beginning of fall signals the return of many things, from football to pumpkins. It also means the start of a new school year for your child. As you begin setting a routine for your child’s homework and chores this fall, be sure to set aside time for his or her oral hygiene. Doing so can protect your child’s health, and instills good habits that can be practiced for years to come.

The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene In Children

Unfortunately, many parents neglect their child’s oral hygiene. Consider the following –

• According to the National Institutes of Health, 42 percent of children 2 to 11 and 59 percent of children 12 to 19 have some dental decay.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most chronic disease among children 6-19 is dental decay.

Many parents don’t take their child’s oral health seriously because of the belief that baby teeth aren’t important. However, baby teeth are still susceptible to painful cavities. This can make your child’s life difficult and can reduce the likelihood of success in school. Poor oral hygiene in children can also serve as a severe health risk, as they are still susceptible to the same oral health diseases as adults. Additionally, if your child learns and practices good oral hygiene habits now, they’ll be more likely to continue to do so when their permanent teeth emerge.

A child’s oral health is so important that California has legislation known as the “Kindergarten Oral Health Requirement.” This law mandates that your child has a dental checkup by May 31 of their first school year. The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education recently approved a resolution that seeks to further enforce this law.

Be A Good Role Model And Establish A Routine

Children are most likely to learn by example, which is why it’s so important for you to serve as a good role model when it comes to your child’s oral hygiene. Minnesota Dental Association President Dr. Kevin Dens says, “Good oral health starts at home. Parents are the most important role models for their children to encourage healthy behaviors. Show your kids how much you value oral hygiene by letting them see you brush and floss your teeth, eat a balanced diet and visit your dentist regularly. Most children also need an adult’s physical assistance to do a thorough job of brushing and flossing until they are 7-8 years old. The beginning of a new academic year is the perfect time to revive healthy habits for both you and your children by reestablishing and monitoring daily morning and bedtime routines.”

Maine Dental Association’s Executive Board President Gary Creisher also offered his thoughts, saying “The good thing about getting back to school is that the children get back in a routine. Allowing enough time for brushing prior to school is an important start to every day, and scheduled bedtimes for the school year are important for needed sleep, as they make bedtime brushing easier for parents to oversee.”