Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month with a Trip to the Dentist

Your toddler may not have many teeth, but that doesn’t mean he or she isn’t ready to see the dentist. It surprises many parents to learn to that the American Dental Association suggests that children should see a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. Even if your child has only a few visible teeth, they can still get cavities.
February marks Children’s Dental Health Month – it’s a great time to make sure the whole family is up to date on their dental checkups, especially the kids.
“It is so important for kids to learn about oral hygiene and to care for their teeth and gums from a young age,” said Jean-Claude Dungasi, DMD, Dental Director for CompleteCare Health Network. “It is great for them to get used to the idea of coming to the dentist regularly and at the same time we can also check their teeth and gums to be sure there are no early signs of damage or decay.”
Recent national studies have shown that more and more preschool age children are getting cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42 percent of children ages 2-11 have cavities in their baby teeth and 21 percent of children ages 6-11 have them in their adult teeth. Dental decay has shown to be more prominent in black and Hispanic low-income families.
An early visit with the dentist can help parents find out if their children are at risk for developing cavities. The dentist will also teach kids and parents techniques for proper brushing of developing teeth and recommend specialty care plans if needed, like visits to a pediatric dentist or orthodontist. Parents can also talk with the dentist about the long term impact of childhood habits like thumb sucking or the use of pacifiers.
Seeing the dentist from a young age also establishes the child in their “dental home,” letting the dentist get to know your child and vice versa. It also helps to have a home base for dental care should emergencies or questions arise.
Each child will have different oral health needs, but keeping kids on track with good oral health habits from a young age will get them off to a good start. Aside from regular brushing and flossing, it is important to remember that there is a link between good dental health and diet. Soda, candy, sugary-juices and the consumption of non-nutritious snacks can all add to the risk for tooth decay – the single most common chronic childhood disease. Additionally, poor food choices make it more difficult for the mouth to resist infection. Infections in the mouth can cause gum disease which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
“Many parents think that having decay in baby teeth is no big deal because kids lose them anyway,” said Dr. Dungasi. “However, having decay in primary teeth can mean that kids will be at higher risk for decay in permanent teeth. When decay is severe it can impact not only the mouth, but a child’s overall health.”
CompleteCare offers dental services to anyone in the community seeking care. The Wildwood Medical and Dental location also provides an on-site financial counselor to assist those without dental insurance who would like to see a dentist. Staff can also help patients sign up for New Jersey’s Medicaid program, NJ FamilyCare.
NJ FamilyCare provides dental benefits to all children and adults enrolled in their program. CompleteCare’s dental team consists of dentists, hygienists and dental assistants who will work closely with patients of any age to create a dental care plan. To schedule an appointment, visit www.CompleteCareNJ.org or call (609) 465-0258.