Manitoba Institute of Child Health Encourages Early Childhood Oral Health

Every parent knows that a healthy smile is a sign of a happy child, and oral health experts agree that creating those healthy smiles begins in infancy. In observation of National Dental Health Month, experts from the Manitoba Institute of Child Health and the Burntwood Regional Health Authority will be hosting a free “Healthy Smile Happy Child” screening day on April 18, 2009 at the City Centre Mall in Thompson, Manitoba.

During the public event from Noon – 3 p.m., dental health specialists will be offering free oral health screening for infants, pre-school and school aged children. There will also be educational displays on early childhood oral health, nutrition and free toothbrushes for children.

Lavonne Harms, Project Coordinator for the Manitoba Institute of Child Health’s “Healthy Smile Happy Child” program says, “Beginning oral health care in infancy can greatly reduce the risk of tooth decay and improve overall health.” Harms adds, “There are effective measures that parents can take that are safe and simple, but it’s important that parents understand the importance of oral health practices and begin early.”

The Manitoba Institute of Child Health recommends the following simple steps for a Healthy Smile Happy Child:

Start cleaning teeth early - As the first tooth appears, begin cleaning by wiping with a clean, damp cloth every day. When more teeth come in, switch to a small, soft toothbrush. If your child is at high-risk for cavities, your dentist may recommend you begin using a smear of toothpaste with fluoride by age one. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to lip their infant’s or preschooler’s upper lip and check for early signs of tooth decay. Decay often begins as chalky white lines along the gum line of upper incisors.

Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste – Fluoride is important in fighting cavities. But if children younger than six years swallow too much fluoride, their teeth may develop white spots. To keep this from happening, use only a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea). Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and to rinse well after brushing.

Supervise brushing – Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone (at 8 years of age). Then, continue to closely watch brushing to make sure your child is doing a thorough job and using only a small amount of toothpaste.

Make regular visits to the dentist – Take your child to see the dentist when they turn 1 year old. Early and regular visits will help to prevent early childhood tooth decay.

The Manitoba Institute of Child Health is the research division of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. The Institute is dedicated to excellence in pediatric research. At the Institute, more than 220 world-class pediatric medical researchers, technical staff, students and support staff are involved in over $8 million of research and clinical trial activities each year.

(Thompson, Manitoba – April 18, 2009)