Viva Vitality: Prevention is key

By Medicine Hat News on April 13, 2018.

Oral health has been recognized as a basic human right. Having a healthy mouth is essential for talking, breathing, eating and drinking. “The World Health Organization (WHO) defines oral health as a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss and other diseases and disorders.”

In Canada, it is estimated that one- third of all day surgeries performed on children ages one to five are a direct result of tooth decay. In fact, cavities are considered one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Sixty to 90 per cent of school-aged children have cavities. Why, if tooth decay is preventable, is this such a global problem? Most people still view the mouth as a completely separate entity from the body. In recognition of World Oral Health Day, the “Think Mouth Think Health Campaign” that is published on http://www.worldoralhealthday.com, helps us become aware of the minor changes we can make to improve the health of our mouths.

First, brush your teeth twice a day. By brushing, flossing and using mouth rinses we can all have healthy mouths. Brush your child’s teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush two times daily with fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended that when brushing the teeth of a child ages 1-3, parents should use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste, which is adequate, whereas children over three require a pea-sized amount.

Invest in an electric toothbrush. They make plaque removal easier for everyone. As well, flossing daily at night to remove food from in-between teeth helps prevent decay. Before your child has a tooth, be sure to wipe inside their mouths using a clean washcloth. On top of regular dental exams, it is also important to check your child’s mouth frequently. Chalky white spots near to gum line can be the first signs of decay. Also, brown, yellow, black spots, or holes are signs that the teeth and gums are not normal. Lifting the lips up and checking on the gum line for pimples or anything out of the ordinary is also important. This can be a sign of infection or abscess. Never hesitate to book your child into the dentist if anything looks suspicious.

Second, eat healthy. Snacks between meals should be eaten in one sitting. Some favourable choices for snacks are nuts, cheese, vegetables and non-acidic fruits such as bananas, cantaloupe and apples. It is also important to regulate juice intake. Offer water instead and do not allow children to sip juice, milk or sugary drinks all day long. If you must serve juice, it is best to have sugary drinks with meals. One of the highest risks for early childhood cavities is sending a child to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice. Again, be sure to visit your dentist regularly. Children can develop decay as soon as they get their first teeth, which is why it is recommended that your child’s first dental visit is around one year old.

Thirdly, get fit. Being fit improves your overall health and it is known that individuals who exercise regularly are less likely to get periodontal disease. Health issues that are related to obesity and diabetes put you at higher risk for periodontal disease.

Finally, drink fewer alcoholic beverages and quit smoking. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages place people at higher risk for oral cancer. Smoking causes tooth staining, periodontal disease and tooth loss. Alcohol increases the risk for tooth decay due to dehydration and decrease in saliva. Saliva helps our bodies fight tooth decay.

Alberta Child Health Benefits is for families with limited income that may not have insurance or money to go to the dentist or other medical providers. For any more questions please visit employment.alberta/hb-policy or call 1-877-469-5437. Alberta Health Services also offers a free dental screening and fluoride for eligible children. Please call your local health unit with questions or visit http://www.ahs.ca/oralhealth.

Jenna Simmons is a dental hygienist with Alberta Health Services, Health Promotions. She can be reached by email at jenna.simmons@ahs.ca