MEDIA CONTACT
Alycia Davis, (402) 471-1449,
alycia.davis@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – As children grow, so does the importance of establishing routine strong oral health habits to prevent dental decay and Early Childhood Caries, an infectious disease that can lead to severe pain, language development delays, malnutrition, and loss of school days. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood illness in the United States.
In 2016, the DHHS Office of Oral Health and Dentistry (OOHD) established an educational program aimed at teaching parents and caregivers of newborns how to establish strong daily oral health habits at a very early age. A resource offered by the OOHD is the Early Dental Health Starter Kits, which contain age-specific dental cleaning items. When used properly twice a day, these hygiene tools can significantly reduce the cavity-causing bacterial biofilm found in the oral cavity. Additionally, the kits include information on the importance of establishing a dental home for their child by age one and a listing of reduced-cost dental care facilities in Nebraska.
“Establishing strong oral health habits in childhood is one of the best gifts we can give our children," said State Dental Director, Dr. Charles F. Craft. “Early education and access to preventive services, are the two principal keys to lowering childhood dental disease rates in Nebraska. Partnerships with hospitals, pediatricians, dental offices, childcare programs, and other community organizations are essential in providing new parents with the support and resources they need to establish proper oral health habits for their children."
Each year approximately 25,000 new babies are born in Nebraska. Over 85,000 starter kits have already been distributed across the state to dental offices, birthing hospitals, Early Head Start programs, pediatric clinics, WIC sites, daycares, home visiting programs, community health centers, local health departments, and both dental colleges.
“The Nebraska-Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (N-MIECHV) distributes these kits as a resource to support the parents and families we serve," said Jennifer Auman, Program Manager for N-MIECHV. “Children who experience dental pain or discomfort may find it difficult to eat, speak, or concentrate, which can affect their overall quality of life, development, behavior, and academic performance."
Strong oral care during childhood not only helps to prevent immediate issues like cavities and gum disease but also sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Key Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Start early: Begin cleaning your baby's gums with the newborn oral finger swab or a soft cloth before their first tooth emerges. Once teeth appear, use the infant finger toothbrush or a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste. As your child grows, you can introduce them to the baby grip toothbrush, toddler toothbrush, and child toothbrush as their brushing skills develop.
Encourage brushing twice a day: Help your child brush for two minutes, morning and night, and floss once a day. Use the tooth timer as a fun way to ensure you reach two minutes.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Sugar contributes to tooth decay. Be mindful of your child's diet, especially between meals.
Visit the dentist regularly: Children should visit the dentist for their first checkup by age one, and regularly thereafter as recommended by their pediatric dentist.
Set a good example: Children often mimic the behaviors of their parents, so practice good oral health habits yourself.
For information about the Nebraska Early Dental Health Starter Kits, surveillance reports, educational brochures, and other resources that the OOHD provides, please visit www.dhhs.ne.gov/dental. Check out the Nebraska Early Dental Starter Kit video at https://www.unmc.edu/dentistry/outreach/starter-kits.html.
