Sugar Wars: kids vs. parents

MATTAWA – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the American Dental Association’s theme for this year’s campaign slogan is Sugar Wars.

Which parents haven’t engaged in these wars with their children? The fact is, kids like sugar just like the rest of us.

Dr. Veronica Idrogo joined the Columbia Basin Health Association dental staff seven years. She and her husband have two sons.

“I know how much my kids like candy and pop,” she said. “I also know the importance of educating them about good oral health.”

Approximately 23 percent of children aged 2-5 years had dental caries (decay) in primary teeth, 21 percent of children ages 6-11 had experienced dental caries in permanent teeth and 58 percent of adolescents aged 12-19 had experienced dental caries in permanent teeth, making it one of the most prevalent childhood disease in the United States.

“These statistics are staggering,” Idrogo said. “Tooth caries can occur as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, and caries in primary (baby) teeth could mean higher risk of caries in the permanent teeth.

“One of our main goals in dentistry is to prevent dental caries (decay) and encourage parents to help their children develop good habits at an early age.”

These include:

• Brush teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time: Parents will need to help their children with this – especially when they are young. Your dentist will tell you if you need to use a fluoride toothpaste and/or have fluoride supplements.
• Floss between teeth at least once a day: Use about 18 inches of floss to floss younger kids’ teeth and teach older kids to do it themselves.
• Establish healthy eating habits for your child: Offer a variety of foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains and meat/poultry/fish. A diet high in natural or added sugars may place your child at added risk for tooth decay.
• Visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. Dentists can detect even small problems before they become bigger, more painful problems. Making your child an age one dental appointment will help start the process of protecting his or her teeth for years to come. Baby teeth usually begin coming through the gums around six months of age so it is important to begin caring for them immediately.
• If your child is involved in any contact sport or recreational activity, he or she should always wear a mouth guard. Examples of contact sports include football, field hockey, ice hockey, baseball, basketball, softball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts.

The CBHA dental clinics are located in Othello, Connell and Mattawa.

“We also have some specialized pediatric dental care available,” Idrogo said. “We want to do everything possible to take the best care of your children’s teeth.”