Pediatric Dental Care Tips to Employ During a Recession

Cavities are an expensive prospect in bad economy, particularly for those who have recently lost their job and thus their health and dental insurances. Eager to cut costs, parents may start putting off regularly scheduled dental cleanings for themselves and/or their children. This is disturbing trend is evidenced by poll data collected in May 2009, where almost half of the poll participants stated that the recession is causing them to make hard choices between dental care and other basic necessities such as food and shelter.

With the time span between dental visits widening due to economic hardships, what can parents do to safeguard their child's dental health? Following these pediatric dental care tips during a recession can help when parents are forced by a lack of insurance or other financial difficulties to delay regular dental visits for their family.

Pediatric Dental Care Tip #1: Brush Your Child's Teeth

Pediatric dentists often recommend that parents brush their child's teeth for as long as the child will let them do it for them because an adult can do a much better job of brushing. While older children should ultimately be encouraged to brush on their own, parents should inspect their teeth afterward and brush a second time to catch anything that is missed. Whenever possible, parents and children should brush together as a family to reinforce good brushing habits.

Brushing doesn't have to be a chore. There are many products on the market that discolor plaque to make it easier for children and adults to see any plaque that was missed during brushing. They are relatively inexpensive, costing $5.00 or less, and are very easy to use.

Pediatric Dental Care Tip #2: Flossing Game

Brushing together as a family will help children spend enough time brushing their teeth, but flossing together also helps reinforce the necessity to floss each night. Young children enjoy pretend play and they may enjoy playing dentist, particularly if they have a willing patient. Teach them how to floss their own teeth and then allow them to practice on an adult parent as well. This activity reinforces flossing as part of their routine and also makes it a fun adventure to look forward to each night.

Pediatric Dental Care Tip #3: Keep An Eye On Their Teeth

Parents who are proactive in their child's dental care will notice any sudden changes in their child's mouth. While brushing and flossing their child's teeth, parents should also be looking for any problem areas and noting any discolorations. With composite (white) fillings, discoloration can occur over time. Any discoloration that was not already present needs to be investigated by a dentist as soon as possible because when cavities are caught early, tooth restoration is much cheaper. Invest in a cheap dental mirror to assist in looking for cavities. It is also a helpful prop that can be used during pretend play, as discussed above.

Pediatric Dental Care Tip #4: Avoid Foods/Drinks That Are Bad For Teeth

When grocery budgets tighten, junk foods should give way to healthier options. Sodas and fruit drinks jam packed with sugar can contribute to cavities. Indulging in too much candy can also lead to tooth decay. Limit the amount of sugary snacks and drinks that enter the household and be careful with treating children to a sucker as a reward. Hard candies can cause tooth breakage, particularly in a tooth that has already been restored.

Pediatric Dental Care Tip #5: Keep An Eye On Pencils

Children can easily break a tooth by engaging in the habit of chewing on their pencils, particularly the metal cap. Breaking a tooth can result in a high dental bill if a crown or filling is necessary to restore the tooth. Sometimes parents may not even realize that their child has a pencil biting habit until their child's teacher mentions it in passing. However, if pencils at home are found to have teeth marks, then chances are the pencils at school have them as well. Nip this habit in the bud before tooth damage occurs.

Employing simple pediatric dental care tips such as brushing and flossing together, pretend play or brushing a child's teeth until they are at an age where they flat our refuse to allow their parent to do it for them can go a long way toward helping children maintain dental health during tough economic times. Prevention of cavities is the first line of defense against the high cost of dental treatment when families lack dental insurance or just cannot afford routine care. These five recession-friendly pediatric dental care tips are low cost investments in a child's dental health, requiring very little else other than an investment of time on the part of the parent.

Sources:

Personal experience as a parent
Discussions with child's pediatric dentist
Small Smiles Survey: http://www.smallsmilesusa.com./downloads/Dental%20Health%20Survey%20Release%207-7-09.pdf
ADA: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings.asp