Poor and infrequent brushing may be the biggest obstacle keeping children from good oral health. That’s one of the key findings from a recent survey of American children’s oral health, conducted on behalf of Delta Dental Plans Association, the nation’s leading dental benefits provider.
While nearly two out of five Americans (37 percent) report that their child’s overall oral health is excellent, more than a third of survey respondents (35 percent) admit their child brushes less than twice a day. Parents recognize this frequency as “not enough,” despite the fact that nearly all of those surveyed (96 percent) with children up to age 6 say they supervise or assist with brushing.
Among those who rate their child’s oral health as less than excellent, only 56 percent say their child brushes for at least two minutes, which is the amount of time dentists typically recommend spending on each brushing.
While the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends daily flossing, nearly half (48 percent) of the survey respondents whose children have teeth say they have never been flossed; only 22 percent report their child’s teeth are flossed daily. Make brushing fun Getting small children to brush properly can be a challenge, but here are some ideas that can help:
1.Trade places:Tired of prying your way in whenever it’s time to brush those little teeth? Why not reverse roles and let the child brush your teeth? It’s fun for them and shows them the right way to brush. Just don’t share a toothbrush. Sharing a toothbrush may result in an exchange of microorganisms and an increased risk of infections.
2. Fun toothbrush holder/toothbrush: Another way to get children brushing is by using fun oral health devices like robot, tree or animal-shaped toothbrush holders that stick to walls. Kids like the characters, and the holder provides a sanitary storage spot for their toothbrushes and toothpaste. Remember to apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the brush since the amount of fluoride in children’s toothpaste is still adult strength.
3.Take turns: Set a timer and have the child brush for one minute.Then reset the timer and brush their teeth for the final minute.
“If children stubbornly neglect to brush or floss, maybe it’s time to change the messenger,” said Douglas B. Keck, D.M.D., M.S.H.Ed., Connecticut-based pediatric dentist.“Call the dental office before the next checkup and let them know what’s going on. Kids might heed the same motivational message if it comes from a third party, especially the dentist.”
“There’s clearly a need for more frequent and better education on good oral health practices,” said New Jersey pediatric dentist Suzy Press, D.D.S., M.S.“Regular visits to the dentist are an important part of educating kids and their parents, and maintaining lifelong oral health.”
A video featuring Dr. Keck discusses a child’s first visit to the dentist.Also find tips on children’s teeth, a video featuring Dr. Press, in the Delta Dental video library.
About Delta Dental
Delta Dental of New Jersey Inc. is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.5 million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut.The Delta Dental system offers seamless dental benefits administration for employer groups throughout the country and has the largest network of dentists in the nation. For more information, visit www.deltadentalnj.com.