Education

At UPD Dental Associates (University Pediatric Dentistry), we have an uncompromising promise to deliver dental education and awareness to the Western New York community. Below are some tips, articles and links to improve your family’s oral health. Also, make sure to come see us at local schools and events near you!

Education

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Published on Monday, February 1, 2016

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

We believe that educating others about oral health is very important to keeping the children in our community healthy. Here are some tips from our staff to share!

StephanieStephanie, RDH

  1. What do you think is the most important oral hygiene instruction for parents to know in regards to their children’s teeth?
     
    Parents should help brush and floss their children’s teeth. I always recommend that parents are brushing and flossing their children’s teeth until 8 years of age. It's okay to give him or her a turn, but before or afterwards, it is suggested that you also take a turn to be sure that your children’s teeth are completely clean.
  2. What is the biggest misconception parents have about their children’s teeth?

    That fluoride is dangerous for children. Research shows that fluoride is actually helpful at preventing cavities, strengthening enamel and preventing cavities from growing. Fluoride should always be spit out but even if the child swallows a little bit, it is not enough to be harmful to them.
  3. How can parents make brushing and flossing fun at home?

    At my house, while I am brushing for my daughter, I sing and act really silly for two minutes. I sing anything from the ABC’s to making up my own song about brushing. By the time I am done, and she is done laughing at me, I have brushed all of her twenty baby teeth and we also have had fun!
  4.  What do you think is the biggest surprise to parents when educating them?

    That they should avoid gummy vitamins! I always recommend that parents switch to a sugar-free chewable vitamin, such as Flinstone vitamins. Many parents are surprised to hear that there is actually sugar in the gummy vitamins that can cause cavities on their children’s teeth. Anything with a gummy texture will stick in the grooves of the teeth and help promote cavities. 

Ahlim

Ahlim, RDH

  1. What do you think is the most important oral hygiene instruction for parents to know in regards to their children’s teeth?

    That they need to assist their children with brushing everyday. 
  2. What is the biggest misconception parents have about their children’s teeth?

    That if their children have cavities on their baby teeth, it is not a big deal because they will fall out anyway. In fact, baby teeth are very important. They hold the place for your permanent teeth. If they become infected and need to be wiggled out too soon, the natural eruption of the permanent teeth may be altered.
  3. How can parents make brushing and flossing fun at home?

    I sometimes recommend playing their favorite song (at least a 2 minute song!) while brushing and that they should keep brushing until the song is over. That way they are brushing long enough. 
  4. What do you think is the biggest surprise to parents when educating them?

    Parents are surprised when I tell them how milk, something they believe only to be good for teeth, can actually cause cavities. Although milk can be healthy for you, it can sometimes be harmful if left on the teeth for too long. Milk actually contains sugar. It is highly recommended that milk, along with juices, be limited to meal times only.

KerisaKerisa, RDH

  1. What do you think is the most important oral hygiene instruction for parents to know in regards to their children’s teeth?

    Brushing and flossing at night! It's so important because while we are sleeping all that bacteria from the day (food, drinks, candy, etc.) is working on destroying our beautiful teeth.
  2. What is the biggest misconception parents have about their children’s teeth?

    That their children’s baby (primary) teeth to not need to be flossed. Flossing should start as soon as primary teeth are erupted and touching each other. Normally the primary molars are the first one’s to begin to touch and we often see cavities forming in between those teeth due to lack of flossing.
  3. How can parents make brushing and flossing fun at home?

    Make a calendar! Give a star for each day/night that your child brushes and flosses. Come up with a small, fun prize to receive at the end of the month for being such great brushers and flossers!
  4. What do you think is the biggest surprise to parents when educating them?
    Parents are often surprised that untreated cavities may spread to another tooth that is healthy, worsen over time and become infected. Tooth infections can be spread throughout a person's entire body and can be very harmful.

 
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