Promoting Oral Health in Child Care

CCHC LexingtonMarch 2011

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most common infectious disease of childhood

It can interfere with eating, sleeping, speaking, learning, playing, & school readiness

Tooth decay is a disease

Dental Caries

Severe Early Childhood Caries

Tooth decay, if left untreated, can demineralize the tooth to the pulp and cause an abscess, which can be life threatening

Severe complications of

decay

Eruption PatternsPri

mary

teeth

Eruption PatternsPe

rmanent

teeth

Teething

Caregivers should be cautioned about the use of teething products that contain the numbing agent, Belladonna

Teething

Teething rings are recommended over other remedies

Baby teeth are essential for◦Good nutrition◦Language development◦Self esteem

Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth

Baby teeth are important

Do not let a child fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, juice

Only put children to sleep with bottles containing water

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infants◦Wipe gums gently after

feeding using a clean, wet cloth or strip of gauze

◦Brush baby teeth ~ 6 months, after first eruption, with a soft-bristled toothbrush

What care is appropriate?

Toddlers and preschoolers◦Brush teeth with a soft, child-sized toothbrush◦Use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste◦Wipe off excess toothpaste until the child is old enough to

rinse independently ◦Children can start the brushing but need an adult’s help to

do it thoroughly◦Supervising adults should wash their hands after assisting

each child

What care is appropriate?

What care is appropriate?

Demonstration of proper assistance

School-age children◦Allow children to brush their own teeth with supervision◦The supervising adult may need to finish the job for some

children, ensuring that all tooth surfaces are reached◦Children need supervision and may need help with

brushing until they are at least 8 years old

What care is appropriate?

Each child will need a toothbrush labeled with his or her name

Use a rack for storage where toothbrushes can be suspended with space between so brushes do not contact each other

What equipment is needed?

Storage Equipment

Angle bristles toward the gum marginUse light pressure with a circular motionBiting surfaces also need to be brushed

Toothbrushing Technique

Importance of water: Fluoride

Drinking tap water allows for fluoride to become systemic and protect the whole tooth

Have children rinse with water after meals and snacks

Oral care can easily be incorporated into a program’s daily routine

To emphasize that oral care is an important habit, schedule toothbrushing at the same time each day

Rinse teeth with water after eating

Make oral health a daily routine

Serve tooth-friendly snacks: cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables

Avoid soda, sweetened drinks, sweet treatsDilute juices with waterIf children eat sweet, sticky foods, brush or rinse

with water afterwardsEducate families that children need regular dental

checkups

Steps to oral health

Information provided by

KIDS SMILEOral Health Training Program

Department for Public HealthCabinet for Health ServicesCommonwealth of KentuckyFrankfort KY 40621-0001

Division of Dental Public HealthCollege of DentistryUniversity of KentuckyLexington, KY 40536-0297

http://www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/Curricula/oral%20health_11_v8.pdf

California Childcare Health Program