Calif. Dental Hygienists Making Difference In The Health & Smiles Of California Children

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 22 Feb 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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To help fight an epidemic of cavities and oral disease among the state's young children, the California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) is offering information about how to effectively spot and prevent tooth decay, which plagues millions of California schoolchildren.

During February's National Children's Oral Health Month, as well as throughout the entire year, California dental hygienists play a vital role in raising awareness about a serious and often misunderstood problem in oral health. The profession also devotes significant volunteer time to helping protect the state's children from a preventable disease.

"Dental caries -- also known as cavities -- is the most common childhood disease and can lead to a wide range of other health and other problems," said Susan McLearan, president of CDHA. "Yet, there are some very simple ways we as a society can better prevent and attack this disease."

A Serious Problem

The first step, according to CDHA, is to understand the serious nature of the disease and then take steps to eliminate the risk factors that can lead to cavities, especially in small children.

-- Parents should realize how important baby teeth are to speech, nutrition and self esteem

-- Early childhood caries is a very serious form of cavities that can destroy the teeth of preschool children and toddlers

-- The first signs of caries are white chalky or brown spots on the teeth, usually starting at the gum line

-- This problem may be overlooked by parents until the pain becomes so severe and the teeth so decayed that the only options for these kids is to have their teeth taken out

Prevention Tips

Prevention must begin early. CDHA recommends that a child's first dental evaluation should be within six months after the first primary tooth appears or by the time a child is one year old.

Additionally, parents should:

-- Try to eliminate starchy and sugary foods

-- Reduce or avoid nighttime bottle-feeding for infants. Putting a child to bed with a bottle or the prolonged use of a "sippy" cup can cause cavities.

-- Prevent contact with a parent or care taker with untreated caries, which can easily spread to a child through the sharing of a spoon, cup, etc.

-- Ensure that fluoride varnish or sealants are given to children who have already had one or more cavities because they are considered a high risk for developing more.

-- Promote brushing of teeth on a regular basis. When a tooth first appears or erupts, it should be wiped gently with a damp cloth or soft brush; beginning around ages two or three, children can use fluoride toothpaste with a brush.

-- Seek the advice of a dental hygienist, who can work with parents to make recommendations on how to avoid this serious disease -- Use products containing xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that helps fight bacteria that causes tooth decay.

"California dental hygienists are unsung heroes in the fight against cavities," said CDHA's McLearan, who noted that her members are a wealth of information for the public and generously volunteer their time to offer nutritional counseling, oral health education in the schools, fluoride treatments, cleanings and student dental screenings.

"For California dental hygienists, protecting our children from oral disease is a 12-month effort," said McLearan. "This month is just a good time to emphasize the problem and solutions to parents about better protecting their children."

The California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) is the authoritative voice of the state's dental hygiene profession. While registered dental hygienists have worked in the state for nearly a century, CDHA was established 20 years ago when two regional associations merged to form a unified professional group. CDHA represents thousands of dental hygienists throughout the state and is dedicated to expanding opportunities for the profession and access to care for all Californians.

California Dental Hygienists' Association
http://www.cdha.org/

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