Helping children establish good, life-long dental habits from the beginning by overseeing brushing

and flossing, maintaining regular dentist office visits, and providing nutritionally balanced meals

without excess sugar is the best way to ensure that children grow up with healthy teeth and gums,

as well as good overall long-term health. Make your home an encouraging environment that not only

supports your child's proper dental hygiene, but reinforces the many reasons why daily dental care is

so critical. Children who are healthy and happy do not hesitate to smile. And those with healthy,

white teeth can flash that smile with confidence.

What you teach your children about brushing and flossing today may help them avoid complicated

dental procedures tomorrow. While good dental health is critical for everyone, regardless of age,

instilling healthy habits in kids early helps to make trips to the dentist a positive experience.

It's important to remember that the health of your children’s

teeth and gums can have a direct impact on their overall

health. While poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease,

decay, and tooth loss, the bad news doesn’t stop there.

Research suggests that the inflammation from periodontal, or

gum disease, puts one at a greater risk for diabetes,

Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.

Even your wallet can feel the effects. Cavities resulting from a lack of care will result in expensive

procedures to restore the health of the tooth, or if left untreated, remove the tooth.

With modern dental treatment and fluoride toothpastes, serious dental complications can be avoided

completely. For children, there are now sealants to protect new teeth and, of course, regular

cleanings and fluoride treatments to combat cavities. A dentist and hygienist can recommend

procedures that will be beneficial for your children, as well as show them proper brushing technique.

Caring for your child's teethGood dental care can start as soon as your baby’s teeth are visible, which typically begins at -

approximately six months of age. You may want to use a washcloth to clean your baby’s mouth, but

soon as the teeth are visible, move to a small

toothbrush to ensure proper cleaning. Also, begin

regular dental appointments for your child during his

or her first year. This will give your child a chance to

get used to the dentist and get comfortable with

these new surroundings, all of which will make future

dental appointments much easier.

Although you may think that it is not necessary to

emphasize dental habits until adult teeth begin to come in around age six, baby teeth act as

placeholders for the permanent teeth, and damage to them can cause substantial problems later.

Smart dental habits established at a young age will set the stage for life-long healthy habits. Children

who have brushed their teeth or had them brushed since they were babies are more likely to

understand the importance of this as they grow and develop permanent teeth.

Helpful reminders

Dental problems can affect the self-esteem of children, making them reluctant to smile or engage

in conversation.

Poor dental care can result in poor nutrition and sleep problems for children.

Tooth decay can be caused by formula, breast milk and juice sitting against the teeth. Children

should not fall asleep with a bottle

Constantly sipping milk, juice or any sweetened liquid does not give a child’s natural saliva a

chance to rinse away sugars that cause tooth decay. Limit sippy cups to mealtime and snack

time – and have your child swish and swallow with water after drinking any sugary drink

Drinking water is ideal for developing teeth.

Children should begin regular dental visits at age one.

Children should have their teeth brushed as soon as they appear.

Brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste.

Get regular check-ups.

The Healthy Teeth, Happy Kids campaign is financially supported by the Superior Health Foundation and guided by a team of dental health professionals who have seen firsthand the startling incidence of oral disease in the mouths of Upper Peninsula children.

The goal of the Healthy Teeth, Happy Kids campaign is to have all Upper Peninsula children seen by a dentist by their first birthday. Establishing a dental home for a child by age one may eliminate the need for dental fillings by age two.

Additional resourcesFor additional information on how you can improve the oral health for your family, visit the links below:

http://www.deltadentalmi.com/MediaLibraries/Global/documents/From-Drool-to-School-Book-DIGITAL_1.pdf

http://www.deltadentalmi.com/Wellness/Oral-Health-Resources/Oral-Health-Topics/From-Drool-to-School.aspx

http://pointsoflightonline.org/

For assistance in finding a dentist near you, including low-income options, visit the links below:

http://www.smilemichigan.com/Find-a-Dentist

http://www.co.marquette.mi.us/departments/health_department/community_health/dental_education.php#.U_jfQMVdWuJ