Questions and Answers!
Your Training Resource

October-November 2007, Volume 10, Issue 6

Safety First: Preventing Dental Injury

Injury to the primary teeth is most likely occur at what age? Between 1 _ to 3 years.

What are the most common dental injuries? Chipped or knocked out teeth.

What symptoms might indicate dental injury? Pain, fever, tooth loss, swelling of the face or jaw, bleeding gums, difficulty eating or drinking.

Can a knocked out tooth be replaced? Sometimes, but only if immediate dental treatment is available (within 1-2 hours).

In Sickness & Health: Preparing Children for Dentist Visits

When should children have their first dental checkups? At appearance of their first tooth, or by their first birthday.

When do children begin teething? First tooth usually appears between 5-10 months of age.

Do young children have dental problems? Research indicates that 25 percent of children in the U.S. have cavities by age 4.

What are some safe props to include in the dramatic play center? Mirrors, large play toothbrushes, dental health posters, flashlights, gloves, scrubs to wear, clipboards, bibs, dental x-rays, etc.

Nutrition Action: Dental Healthy Snacks

What foods are more likely to cause tooth decay? Any food that stays on the teeth, such as raisins, chips, bread, and dried fruits (sticky foods).

Are fruits bad for teeth? Fruits and fruit juices are nutritious. Fruit juice can cause dental problems if a child is allowed to sip juice frequently during the day.

What about baby bottles? Never allow a child to take a bottle to bed or during naptime. Encourage children to drink from regular cups, rather than using a bottle or sippy cup throughout the day.

How often should children brush? Encourage brushing after each meal or snack. If brushing is not possible, teach children to swish water in their mouths to remove food.

Medicine Chest: Fluoride and Teeth

What is fluoride? It is a natural element found in rock, soil, water, and air.

Where do children get fluoride for their teeth? Community drinking water supplies, toothpastes, and mouth rinses.

How does fluoride help protect teeth? It strengthens the tooth and enamel during tooth development; reduces the ability of plaque to form harmful acid; and helps repair damaged teeth.

How much fluoride toothpaste is needed? Just a tiny smear of toothpaste is sufficient.

Health & You: Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease? It is a bacterial disease that affects the structures of the mouth, including gums, bone, and other tissue.

What are problems from periodontal disease? Untreated, it can cause tooth damage and tooth loss.

What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is a mild inflammation of the gums.

What are some risk factors for periodontal disease? Tobacco use, poor oral health habits, lack of brushing and flossing, and teeth grinding.