South Heartland District Health Department

Keep children’s smiles on track!

February 11, 2025

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During the month of February, South Heartland District Health Department is joining the American Dental Association to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month.

One reason we are drawing attention to this topic is because the health department started a program last year to help improve access to oral health education and services. We know that nearly 60% of Nebraska children will have experienced tooth decay before entering kindergarten. Tooth decay causes children to miss more school days than any other chronic health problem.

This condition is preventable! Keep reading for some tips on how to prevent tooth decay in children and to learn what services are now available in our health district of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties.

First, for any parents, grandparents or caregivers out there, we’d like to share 6 important points about children’s dental health:

1. Brushing routine: Brush teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes, making sure to reach all surfaces of the teeth. Teach your kids proper brushing technique, including circular motions.

2. Diet and oral health: Limit sugary drinks and snacks, especially between meals. Choose healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and water. Sugary foods can contribute to cavities.

3. Importance of baby teeth: Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important for chewing, speech development, and spacing for adult teeth. Start cleaning baby teeth as soon as they appear.

4. Dental visits: Regularly visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings. Discuss any concerns or questions with the dentist.

5. Flossing: Once children have teeth close together, teach them how to floss properly to clean between teeth.

6. Making it fun: Use kid-friendly toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste. Play brushing games or sing brushing songs.

New parents often ask when they should begin oral health care with their kiddos. It’s never too early to start focusing on your child’s oral health! The American Dental Association recommends cleaning your baby’s gums daily. Until those teeth come in, gently wipe a damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria after each feeding.

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental home for their child by their first tooth or first birthday.

Here are more tips for very young children:

· Start brushing with the first tooth. Begin brushing your baby’s teeth with an infant toothbrush. when you see the first tooth coming in. Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

· Brush twice each day for two minutes. Children ages 2-6 should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always supervise kids younger than six years old while brushing, as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.

· Begin flossing between your child’s teeth when they begin to touch.

· Baby teeth are so important because of their critical role of saving space for a child’s permanent teeth. They stay in a child’s mouth for 8-10 years and also affect their speaking, chewing, and, of course, smiling.

· Sugary drinks can lead to baby bottle tooth decay. The germs in their mouth use that sugar for energy and produces acid. This acid attacks the enamel on baby teeth and can trigger tooth decay after continued exposure.

· Drinks that can lead to baby bottle tooth decay include milk, formula, fruit juice, soda, and any other sweetened drinks. If your child needs to sleep with a bottle, water is the safest option. Water helps to rinse away any sugar or particles that can lead to cavities.

SHDHD is proud to announce that we are partnering with local daycares and preschools to offer oral health education and preventative care. Our program increases access to essential dental services such as oral screenings, topical fluoride, and dental sealants.

We are also distributing the “Early Dental Health Starter Kit”, provided by Nebraska DHHS Office of Oral Health & Dentistry, which includes various oral hygiene tools for children age 0-6. The kits come with instruction cards that explain how and at what age each item should be used.

To all of the adults out there: oral health care is really important for you, too! Oral health care is about more than a bright smile. New research is showing links between gum disease and bigger problems like heart attacks, diabetes, and oral cancer. Brushing, flossing, and other things you do to take care of your mouth can literally extend your life.

So, developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental services helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!

If you have questions or want more information about our local oral health program for young children, or to schedule oral health education or services at your pre-school or day care, please contact the health department.

Michele Bever, PhD, MPH, is the executive director for the South Heartland District Health Department, serving Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties in Nebraska. She may be reached at 402-462-6211.

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