Early intervention with dental hygiene key for future healthy smiles
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According to Dr. James B. Geshay Jr., a pediatric dental specialist in Uniontown, proper dental care should start as early as 4 months of age to prevent a variety of diseases, issues with speech and missed days at school.
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When taught at a young age, good dental health habits can carry on into adulthood and give individuals a chance to have a lasting, healthy smile.
For the month of February, the American Dental Association teamed up with some of the leading toothpaste brands for the 2018 National Children’s Dental Health Month. Thousands of dental professionals from around the nation are promoting good dental hygiene for children, including Dr. James Geshay Jr., a pediatric dental specialist in the Uniontown area.
“Many parents do not fully understand the impact that dental caries have on young children. Dental disease not only affects a child’s smile but also creates problems with both physical and intellectual development,” Geshay said.
This year, the NCDHM campaign slogan is “brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a health smile,” according to the ADA website.
“This basic sentiment echoes the instructions given every day by dentists all across the country,” Geshay said. “There are numerous events nationwide throughout the month to educate children and their parents on proper oral hygiene and the necessity of routine dental care. Since over 60 percent of U.S. children will have (or have had) dental caries by the age of 5, this initiative is more important than ever.”
Geshay said untreated dental disease can lead to a number of problems, one of them being their inability to eat the right foods to help with development and growth.
“Sleep patterns are disturbed due to chronic pain, resulting in lethargic, unfocused children,” he continued. “Children with untreated decay are at a higher risk of developing ear and sinus infections as well as infections from simple cuts and scrapes. As a result, children in the U.S. miss 51 million hours of school each year due to dental disease.”
Those troubles can be avoided by first taking children to local dentists by their first birthday, Geshay said. He recommended returning every six months for cleaning and care appointments. From there, it’s all about how dental hygiene is maintained at home.
“Consistent home care and nutritional food and drink choices are absolutely necessary to ensure your child remains cavity free,” Geshay noted.
He added that sugary drinks are detrimental to overall dental health.
With the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that more than 60 percent of U.S. children drinking at least one sugary drink a day, Geshay said it’s easily one of the leading causes of dental disease.
“And we are not only talking about sodas and other soft drinks. Juice boxes, sports drinks, even fruit juices all contain sugars which can cause cavities. Even ‘no sugar added’ drinks contain natural sugars which have the same adverse effects on your child’s teeth,” he said, adding that candies can also have the same effect on a child’s dental health.
Though these are all messages that dental professionals pass along to patients throughout the year, Geshay said it’s important to designate a month to further reach and educate others.
“National Children’s Dental Health Month is a wonderful opportunity to educate those in the community about proper dental care for our children,” Geshay said.