Transcript Home Visiting Oral Health Messages

12 Oral Health Messages
By Michelle Martin RDH, MPH
Utah Dept. Of Health Oral Health Program
Oral Health Trivia
TRUE or FALSE?
 People with Diabetes are at a greater risk of
developing gum disease.
Healthy eating can contribute to the
condition of a an individuals mouth.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
medications can affect your mouth.
One Last Trivia Question???
• Among new military recruits in 2010, what
percentage were not deployed because of
significant dental issues?
– A. 0-40%
– B. 40-60%
– C. 60% +
Tooth Decay
• Tooth decay is caused
• Tooth decay is the most
by bacteria
common chronic early
childhood disease ~ 5x
• It can spread from
more common than
person to person
asthma
• Children with cavities in
baby teeth are 3x more
likely to develop cavities
in the permanent
(adult) teeth.
Tooth Decay
• By the age of 3 years,
almost 1 every 10
children has oral issue
• One study showed
children with poor oral
health were nearly 3x
more likely to miss
school due to dental
pain
• By age 5, 75% of
American Indian/Alaska
Native children have
experienced decay.
State of Decay
• Children from low income
and minority families are
particularly
vulnerable
because they are less likely
to have their oral health
addressed.
• An estimated 17 million
low income children in the
United States go without
oral health care each year.
This represents about one
out of every five children.
(Pew Center on States, Cost
of Decay)
PREVENTION!!!
• Tooth decay is
preventable!
• Pediatricians, dentists, nurses,
community health workers,
teachers, promoters, and
extended families play a very
important role in making a child’s
teeth a priority!
• Providing education to parents
and caregivers
• Screenings and anticipatory
guidance
• Community connections
• Access to preventive information
and services
• Prenatal oral health and beyond.
12 Oral Health Messages
•YES, there
is HOPE!

Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste 2x Day
•
Fluoride is a mineral that works to
protect teeth from decay.
•
With soft brush, brush 2x day for 2
minutes to help remove plaque.
•
Kids under 3 use a small smear of
fluoride toothpaste.
•
Kids over 3+ can use fluoride
toothpaste the size of a pea.
•
Brush in gentle cheerio swirls (circles)
on every surface of every tooth.
Stop the Pop
• Soda has a lot of sugar and
acid ~ this weakens the
enamel ~ causing decay.
• NEVER put soda in a bottle
or Sippy cup.
• Use instead ~ water, milk, or
4 oz of 100% fruit juice.
No More Than 4 oz. Juice Per Day
• 100% fruit juice.
• Stretch 4 ounces of juice
throughout the day. For
example: 2 ounces of apple
juice plus 2 ounces of water.
• Eating fresh fruit is much
healthier than drinking
juice.
Sleep Without a Bottle
• Baby should NEVER go to bed
with a bottle that has breast
milk, formula, juice, or other
drinks. This can lead to full
mouth of cavities.
• You should always clean your
baby’s teeth after his or her
last bottle-feed and before he
or she goes to sleep.
Only Water in Sippy Cup
• Tooth decay among young
children is on the rise. Many
experts believe that Sippy cups
containing sugary beverages are
responsible.
• NEVER put soda or energy drinks,
in a Sippy cup.
• Sippy cup should not be used at
naptime or bedtime unless they
only have water in them.
Wean Off Bottle By Age 1
• Weaning to a cup also does more
than encourage your little one to
make the transition to solid foods.
• It stimulates two-handed
development, and promotes
mealtime family interaction.
• Pediatricians recommend a gradual
approach: First, substitute a cup for
the bottle or breast at the midday
feeding. Once the baby adjusts, use
the cup at the morning feeding, and
so on.
See Dentist at age 1
• Baby teeth are important because they
hold a place for permanent adult teeth.
• The dentist will check to see if
everything is normal and look for any
areas of early tooth decay.
• Topics your dentist may discuss:
– Fluoride needs
– Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue
thrusting, lip sucking)
– Dentist will show you and your child
how to thoroughly clean the teeth.
– Teething & Proper nutrition
Don’t Share Utensils with Children
• Bacteria can be passed from
parents/caregivers to the child,
making them higher risk to get
decay.
• To lower decay, family members
Should NOT…
– Clean child’s pacifier with their
mouth
– Share spoons or forks
– Pre-chew child’s food
– Share cups, bottles, or
toothbrushes
• Don’t let your child place his or
her fingers in anyone’s mouth.
Children will usually put their
fingers back into their own
mouth, increasing the chance of
passing the bacteria.
Limit Sugary Snacks
– Make treats “treats,” not everyday foods. Limit
sweet treats to special occasions.
– Choose not to offer sweets as rewards. By offering
food as a reward for good behavior, children learn to
think that some foods are better than other foods.
– Reward your child with comforting hugs or kind
words, or give them non-food items, like stickers, to
make them feel special. 
– Limit sugary cereals. Choose oatmeal and other
cereals, that don’t have added sugar. Add nuts, fruit,
or cinnamon if you want to jazz it up.
– Limit juices, sports drinks, and other flavored
beverages. Try to stick to water and unflavored milk.
Adult Brushes Child’s Teeth
• Brushing your child’s teeth helps
make healthier teeth, good breath,
fewer cavities, and helps avoid painful
dental problems.
• When your child can tie his or her
own shoe, then your child is ready to
do a good job brushing.
– If your baby doesn’t have any
teeth, wrap your finger in a clean
damp washcloth and wipe their
gums.
– If your child has teeth, use a soft
baby brush and fluoride
toothpaste to brush their teeth.
Breastfeeding is Highly Recommended
• Exclusive breastfeeding is
recommended up to 6 months of
age.
• Builds a strong connection with the
mother and baby.
• Breastfeeding is particularly
beneficial for premature babies and
also may protect children against:
Infections, Allergies, Asthma,
Diabetes, Obesity, & Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
It Is Safe To Go To the Dentist While
Pregnant
• When visiting the dentist tell your
dentist if you are pregnant so that
if you need treatment, he or she
can decide on the best type for
you.
• It is highly recommended to get
your teeth cleaned during
pregnancy to help decrease
inflammation in mouth.
• Good oral hygiene is important
during pregnancy.
• During pregnancy your gums are
more likely to bleed and there is a
greater chance of them becoming
inflamed or infected.
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Questions???
Contact Information
• Michelle Martin RDH MPH
• 801.273.2876
• [email protected]