Research Paper Lauren Jones

When thinking about health, most people think of exercise and eating healthy. They

understand the benefits these things have towards cardiovascular and digestive health, yet

they forget another every day thing that affects everyday life: oral health. Many would

argue that dental care is not a main concern, especially in regards to children. However,

given that tooth decay can be detrimental to ones health, and dental hygiene is crucial

in the health of ones self, having access to proper dental care is significant in the

development of a childs life. Having healthy oral habits will increase a childs confidence,

and it provides an example for how teeth should be cared for over the course of a persons

life. For parents, it can be hard to get their child to follow healthy habits, yet if they push

hard enough they can dramatically influence and establish habits that will follow into future

generations and reduce the need for extensive dental care in the future.

There are many ways that a baby can develop bad habits concerning their oral

health. These problems dont appear overnight, some may stem as far back as during

pregnancy.

Babies begin to grow teeth between the 3rd & 6th month of pregnancy.
Mothers with untreated cavities pass tooth decay and germs to their baby.
Mothers should brush and floss regularly and see their dentist twice per year to
avoid passing tooth decay on to their child (Rivera).

This is evidence that healthy teeth start to develop during pregnancy. It is essential for

mothers to understand how to care for their teeth for not only them, but for their baby as well.

Mothers that practice these habits and teach them to their child promote a healthy routine that

can last a lifetime.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease.

Clean the teeth at least twice a day, when your child wakes in the morning and
right before bedtime are best.
When the first teeth come in (6 to 10 months) use a small soft bristle brush to
clean your babys teeth, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (Rivera).
Tooth decay is extremely common; However, it can be prevented. By brushing the teeth

using proper tools at a young age can positively impact and influence a childs dental habits.

During teething sooth your baby with a cold water filled teething ring or a
cold damp wash cloth. Avoid giving your baby teething biscuits and numbing gels.
Never put you baby to bed with a bottle, anything but water at bedtime can
cause tooth decay.
Encourage your child to drink from a cup near their first birthday.
Regular visits to the dentist should begin by their first birthday (Rivers).

Following these simple tips can help a child avoid the hassle of tooth day. These methods

contribute to preventing further problems from manifesting- such as gingivitis and tooth loss.

This will also encourage a child to feel confident when they smile, not ashamed.

Oral health screening should occur in the first year of life.

Parents may be present during an infants examination so the dentist can point
out any areas of concern.
Early trips to the dentist help ease a childs apprehension during future check
ups.
Limit frequency of meals & snacking to 4 times per day.
Fluoride varnish is a great way to prevent tooth decay (Rivera).

There are many things out of a childs control concerning their teeth. Having a parent that

actively participates in their childs oral health can positively impact their child. If the advice

is followed at home, the visit will be less invasive and less stressful for the child. A check-

up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems

(Frequently). Like adults, a child should have regular visits to their dentist for routine

cleanings and test. It is relevant for children to go to ensure teeth are developing correctly

and that no problems have arose. A pediatric dentist has spent two to three years specialty

training following dental school and limits his/her practice to children only (Frequently).

Parents may choose to take their child to a family dentist, yet a pediatric dentist will have

much more knowledge and experience working with children. This can be reassuring for

parents to know how their child is being cared for. In regards to teeth, not only do they help

children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent
teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt (Frequently). While some may argue that

baby teeth are not important, they are crucial in assisting a child to perform everyday tasks.

How the baby teeth are cared for will also affect and influence the permanent adult teeth.

There is a direct correlation between caring for baby teeth and caring for adult teeth that

needs to be recognized so the proper procedures can be adhered to. Also, it is vital to keep in

mind young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively (Frequently). A

parent simply relying on their child to brush their teeth is not beneficial at all. A child does

not have the understanding of how to properly brush their own teeth. Once

a child gets older, they can brush their teeth with a parent assisting them to make sure all

surfaces (including the tongue) are being brushed.

There are many methods to go about when keeping a child safe at the dentist.

There are various sedation techniques which work well and are easy to keep the child

calm and the procedure smooth. Some dentists prefer an older technique, a physical

restraint also known as a papoose. However, not all dentists are comfortable with the idea of

holding a child back just for the sake of an easier time performing the procedure. Dentist Dr.

Mark Burhenne would argue a papoose prevents the child from communicating with their

dentist. There are psychological ramifications after having used that. Its kind of a dental

PTSD (Controversial). Dr. Burhenne has problems with the papoose when taking into

account the childs psychological and physical well-being. He believes a child should always

have the opportunity to let the dentist know when they are having problems during the

procedure. He believes that dentists who use this restraint cause the association children have

between dentists and torture. Other dentists, like Dr. Steven Pearlman praise the papoose and

believe Immobilization is the safest form of treatment (Controversial). Dr. Pearlman

strongly believes that the papoose is the reason many dentist appointments are easy and safe.

When a child cannot grab the sharp equipment, it makes the procedure less hazardous for
both the dentist and the patient. Ultimately, the parents make the choice on rather a papoose

is used on their child or not, so the decision is made by them in regards to what they believe

is best for their child.

Using conscious sedation may allow a child to become more relaxed. Nut the child

will be able to respond to voices or stimulation and will maintain his or her protective

reflexes. Conscious sedation may be used when a child requires a lot of dental treatment or

has special needs (Sedation). Conscious sedation is very safe and is a low-dosage of

medication. It allows the child to remain awake and communicate while being in a relaxed

state. The child feels no need to argue with the dentist or try to stop them. The child is able

to feel comfortable without feeling restrained. Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas.

It is often used for children who are moderately anxious or nervous. Nitrous oxide is

mixed with oxygen and delivered through a small mask over the nose (Sedation). This is

another technique that allows the child to remain relaxed while being awake and aware of

their surroundings. Once the procedure has been completed, the dentist will continue giving

the child oxygen to eliminate any traces of gas still in the body. Oral sedation is another

alternative and is used when the child has,

Anxiety level
Ability to cooperate
Treatment

With oral sedation, your child may be sleepy but can be aroused. He or she can also respond

to simple commands (Sedation). This treatment is not very common because there are so

many requirements a child must meet before it can be given to them. This type of sedation

will allow the dentist to perform even the most rigorous procedures with ease. This sedation

will not give a child a negative connotation about the dentist because they will be relaxed and

in no pain during their time in an operatory chair. Other ways sedation medicines can be

given are,
 Through the nose
By using a suppository
By a shot (injection)
Intravenously (directly placing the medicine into a vein) (Sedation).

In certain situations, low-dosage sedation may not be enough. These sedation techniques

allow the child to be in a light sleep that they can easily be awakened from if needed. The

child can continue to communicate and understand what they are being told. General

anesthesia puts a child into a deep sleep. He or she is unable to feel pain or to move around

(Sedation). General anesthesia is typically the last choice when choosing a sedation

technique. A child (especially a toddler) may have this option suggested to their parents if

they need a large amount of treatment done, or if the treatment is going to be painful. This

also lets the patient remain safe and the dentist will not have to expect the patient to react.

The problem of poor oral health runs deep throughout the world, Worldwide, 60-

90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities (Oral). Many people

have cavities (which can easily be prevented). Avoiding foods high in sugar, brushing the

teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and flossing daily will dramatically decrease the

likelihood of developing a cavity. This issue will last long into adulthood given that

Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, is found in
15-20% of middle-aged (35-44 years) adults.
Globally, about 30% of people aged 65-74 have no natural teeth (Oral).

Gingivitis has been found to be the root cause of all these issues, and it can be completely

preventable. There are many habits than can be learned during childhood that will influence

how well or how poor a person treats their teeth. There is a massive misconception about

oral health. Many people know that their teeth are important, and serve a vital importance in

their life. However, there is a stigma that teeth require no work done to them for them to

maintain all of their duties. This theory can be proven through how many adults suffer from

tooth loss. Oral disease in children and adults is higher among poor and disadvantaged

population groups (Oral). In rural areas, there are often complications surrounding
transportation, education, and money when thinking about dental care. Seeing a dentist is

very expensive and often there are few dentists that work in indigent locations, which is

where most of these rural groups are located. The most common oral diseases are dental

cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, oral infectious diseases, trauma from injuries,

and hereditary lesions (Oral). Making regular check-ups with a dentist should be a priority

in order for oral problems to be pointed out and issues can be detected early so they can be

stopped before they worsen. Following the tips the dentist recommends will significantly

help a patient prevent diseases from arising. Birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate

occur in about one per 500-700 of all births (Oral). While these particular abnormalities can

not be prevented, there are fantastic options for treatment such as a neovascular mold, and

surgical options that use tissue to repair the cleft palate. Oral mobile clinic can repair these

issues depending on their intensity. Some may be to the point of severity that the require

hospitalization and follow-up treatment. There is plenty of research that shows the

correlation between drinking and smoking and chronic disease. Lesser known, oral diseases

are often linked to chronic disease (Oral). The mouth truly is the portal to the rest of the

body. If the mouth is being completely disregarded, or it is not properly being cared for, the

rest of the body will pay the consequences. Oral health being a main concern will

dramatically decrease chances of developing a chronic disease. Once a chronic disease has

developed in the body, the consequences of treating both the disease and the oral health

problems will be a much greater burden than just caring for the teeth normally. Dental

cavities can be prevented by maintaining a constant low level of fluoride in the oral cavity.

Fluoride can be obtained from fluoridated drinking water, salt, milk, and toothpaste, as well

as from professionally-applied fluoride or mouth rinse (Oral). It is crucial that the low level

of fluoride remains in the teeth, in order for cavities to truly be prevented. Products that

contain fluoride need to be used daily to ensure that the proper amount is being maintained.
In areas where there is less access to dental care, the use of these products can determine

whether cavities will become developed or not.

Periodontal disease affects the bones around the tooth, the gums, the coverings of the

teeth, and the membrane of the tooth (Periodontal). This is not a disease that only harms the

teeth. This disease can cause problems with gums and the bones that surround the teeth.

Extreme cases lead to tooth loss- where fake teeth come into play. Chronic inflammation,

resulting from a periodontal disease, is responsible for 70 percent of all adult tooth losses,

and affects 75 percent of people at some point in their lives (Periodontal). The chance of

getting this disease is outrageously high. Only a small amount of genetics plays into

periodontal disease and tooth loss. By simply caring for ones teeth, both money and pain are

being saved.

There is miseducation about the seriousness of oral health, and often it is overlooked

and disregarded as not a serious health concern. There are numerous studies and statistics

that show how crucial oral health is in saving the teeth, and the other systems of the body.

Periodontal disease is proven to be substantially less prevalent in those who care for their

teeth by brushing twice a day, and flossing at least once a day. Making regular check-ups

with a dentist will also dramatically influence teeth because issues can be pointed out and

prevented before they start.