Kids are a top priority at Soddy Daisy Smiles

February is National Children's Dental Health month, and Soddy Daisy Smiles is celebrating by educating parents about, and raising awareness to, the importance of children's oral care.

"Children's dental health is just as important as adults', if not more so," said Dr. Mandy Shearer. "The foundation for healthy permanent teeth in children and teenagers is laid during the first years of life, and diet and toothbrushing habits during this same time have been shown in several studies to be related to tooth decay in children."

From finding the right type of drinking cup for a child's age to choosing the right mouth guard to wear while playing a favorite sport, there is much to consider in the world of pediatric dentistry. Two of the biggest factors contributing to a child's dental health are what and when he or she eats, according to Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer.

"Kids are often eating foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than in times past," Robert Shearer said. "A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth and contribute toward tooth decay."

Too much sugar on kids' teeth provides food for bacteria, which produces acid that can eat away the enamel on their teeth. While all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from a child's diet, Mandy Shearer cautioned parents to monitor the types of sugar being consumed and how often.

"Read labels and plan carefully for a good balanced diet for you and your kids," she said. "It's not only the quantity of sugar that's important to be mindful of and keep at bay, but also the frequency of consumption."

Other ways to help avoid children being at risk for tooth decay include making sure between-meal snacks are healthy, and that any chewing gum offered to kids is sugarless. Drinking plenty of water and milk instead of sodas and sugary drinks are other great changes to make.

"Good brushing and flossing habits are also critical, along with regularly scheduled dental visits," Robert Shearer said.

During the early years of childhood, he noted that parents need to stress good dental health and hygiene, adding that a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that almost 20 percent of kids between the ages of 2 and 19 have cavities that have not been treated.

"As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, decay can occur," said Mandy Shearer. "Parents have a key role in helping their children to develop a proper oral hygiene routine in the first years of their life, and should lead and supervise them in toothbrushing until motor and mental functions allow the child to perform it alone."

Since baby teeth act as placeholders for the permanent teeth, damage to them can cause substantial problems later, which is another crucial reason to start good dental habits early in life.

When it comes to toothpaste for children, Robert Shearer said an age-adapted content of fluoride is recommended, and primary teeth should be brushed by parents twice a day from the first tooth onwards.

"Parents should re-brush thoroughly after the child has brushed first," he noted. "From the age of 6, children have the ability to brush their teeth alone twice daily; however, parents should still supervise and check on the condition of the toothbrush, as a worn toothbrush is also less effective at cleaning teeth."

If your child has not had a dental exam, schedule a well checkup for him or her as soon as possible. Mandy Shearer shared that the American Dental Association says that it is beneficial for the first dental visit to occur within six months of the appearance of a child's first tooth, and no later than his or her first birthday.

Noteworthy:

"Kids are often eating foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than in times past. A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth and contribute toward tooth decay." – Dr. Robert Shearer of Soddy Daisy Smiles