Parents chasing children with toothbrushes, bribes, begging, threatening, etc. – these are the many tactics parents use (I have been guilty of some of them, too!) to promote healthy teeth, but there must be a better way.
I decided to turn to the wise, nurturing, gentle and patient pediatric dentist whom my own children see, Dr. Mahnaz Shahinfar. As recently as this past week, my eight-year-old had a cavity filled with no tears and my four-year-old wanted to go along, because she “loves this dentist.” That’s all the proof I need that this is the dentist who knows kids and teeth.
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How long have you been practicing pediatric dentistry? How long have you been in D.C.? And do you have children of your own?
I have been practicing and teaching pediatric dentistry for the past thirty years. I have started my practice in Washington D.C. in 2006. I have two sons 29 and 23.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Why is it important children take care of their teeth at an early age?
Decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease in the United States.
Primary teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Oral conditions can affect child’s self esteem and performance at school. Severe decay can affect growth and development.
There are many so many different ways to prevent future dental problems (and cavities) while the children are still young. What do you recommend and why?
We can prevent cavities through the following procedures:
- Proper brushing, which keeps bacteria from organizing into harmful colonies. Frequent brushing (twice a day) reduces the time for bacteria to produce acid and damaging the tooth enamel.
- Eating healthy nutritious meals with less sugar and other carbohydrates and by limiting the number of snacks between meals.
- Visiting pediatric dentist by eruption of the first tooth. Your child’s dentist can help them having healthier stronger teeth by using topical and systemic fluoride, and placing sealants on some teeth.
What top three tips you would give parents who are struggling to get their children to brush their teeth?
- Have fun, make a game of tooth-brushing. Ask your child to catch all the sugar bugs in two minutes you can set a timer or use one of those sand timers. Toddlers do well with singing while brushing. Give a prize at the end as a positive reinforcement.
- Tooth brushing sometimes is more challenging especially for children who have discovered they have some control in their lives and are more resistant to their parent’s instructions. First of all, try to be positive and keep your smile. You don’t want to go into a tooth-brushing session looking like you’re going to a war.
- Secondly, you need to be persistent. Don’t let them see that you are giving up.
- Finally, oral hygiene is something that works only if it is undertaken on a regular basis. Therefore, daily brushing is a must.
For more information on dental health for you and your children, go to the American Dental Associationwebsite. They have facts, tips and games for kids!
More on Children’s Dental Health:
How to Get Plaque Off Children’s Teeth
5 Foods That are Good for Kid’s Teeth
5 Teeth Straightening Options for Kids
Photo Source (upper right): Thinkstock/iStockphoto