 Part of First 5 LA's mission is to educate parents on how to best care for their children's health. Yesterday we had the opportunity to provide tips on how to maintain a child's oral health to thousands of L.A. parents as guests on Hot 93.1's morning radio show, "Community Review." First 5 LA Program Officer Dr. Conrado Bargaza and Public Affairs Director Carol Baker shared a dynamic conversation with 93.1 radio personality Josephina Solis about the persistence of dental health problems in L.A. County's kids, and ways to prevent them. If you did not get to hear the program, or did and would like to have a copy of the recommended tips, I have listed them below. Tooth pain is the number one reason children miss school, and yet it is almost 100 percent preventable, so please pass on these tips, and use them with your own children to keep them healthy, strong, and in school. Early Dental Health Tips - Visit the dentist before first birthday for regular checkups. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants receive oral health risk assessments by 6 months of age.
- Wipe your baby's gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth Even before your baby's first tooth appears, it's a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his or her gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth, especially after feedings. You don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums.
- Help brush your child's teeth until the age of eight. Children under the age of 8 lack the coordination to brush their teeth by themselves. They can get the process started, but a parent needs to make sure that the child's teeth are properly clean.
Nutrition Tips to Support Dental Health - Breastfeed. Breast milk is the healthiest food you can give your baby. Breast milk prevents the occurrence of rampant early childhood cavities and it also reduces the risk of your child becoming overweight.
- Introduce solid food at 6 months. Nutrition experts recommend holding off on the introduction of solid foods until a baby is 6 months old. When age appropriate, have children snack on healthy vegetables and fruits which will provide nutrients for children's gums, such as vitamins A and C.
- Choose water instead of soda or juice to prevent cavities and overweight issues. Give your child water rather than juice or soda when thirsty. After 6 months of age, one small serving of juice a day is sufficient. It is also recommended that you dilute juice by adding an equal amount of water.
- Choose fresh fruit or cheese instead of sugary sweets and high fat junk food. Choose fresh foods such as: fresh fruit thinly sliced or cut into small pieces, whole-grain crackers, cheese cut into thin slices or shredded. These foods are high in nutrients. Try to avoid prepackaged, processed ones, which tend to be high in sugar, salt, and fat, which can lead to overweight children and tooth decay.
Evelyn V. Martinez
Executive Director
First 5 LA
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