James Bay Community Preschool Visit

17th November 2017

Brush more often!

Dr. Serink made a visit to the James Bay Community Preschool to teach the 4 year old class about proper brushing and diet for strong and healthy teeth.

A handout was sent home with each student, it included the following:

Baby teeth are important for chewing, speech development and saving space for developing teeth below, and of course smiling and giggling.

Early childhood tooth decay is still a major concern for Canadian children. 40% of kids entering kindergarten will have some active tooth decay present. Early childhood caries (ECC) for kids 71 months (almost age  6) and younger is still the most prevalent chronic disease, five times more than asthma. General anesthesia for dentistry is still the number one use of operating room time at B.C. Children’s Hospital.

Ways to prevent Early Childhood tooth decay

  • The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children visit their dentist 6 months after the first tooth has erupted or before a year of age. (whichever comes first)
  • Diet
  • Be conscious of the amount and frequency of exposure to sugary drinks and snack
  • Avoid sticky snacks such as raisins and fruit leathers
  • Teeth friendly foods include cheese, nuts, carrots, celery sticks, fresh fruit and plain yogurt
  • Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. A small smear in kids under 3yrs and a pea sized amount for kids over 3 years of age

Tips for Brushing Uncooperative Toddlers

  • Kids learn through mimicry so if you brush and floss every day they will likely copy you (sometimes)
  • Have them lie in your lap with you cross legged on the floor with their head tipped up. Have them open big like a lion or shark to try and make it fun.
  • Sing a silly song or tell them you are brushing different coloured sugar bugs off their teeth/ or that you are giving their teeth a bath with lots of bubbles.
  • Let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste so they feel like they are involved
  • Always try and brush first and let them have a turn afterwards
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