Closing the gap between heart disease and oral health differences in children

Healthy teeth and gums are important for everyone. They’re also important for children with heart problems. Nearly 900,000 children are currently living with a heart condition in the United States. These children are at greater risk for oral health issues because their baby teeth may have weak enamel. Some medications can cause dry mouth. This can lead to cavities. This is why access to proper medical and dental care are key for the oral and overall health of children with heart conditions.

Many different background factors play a role in a child’s dental health. Some kids don’t have access to the preventive care they need, causing a difference in treatment to their oral health.

Download this infographic to learn more about oral health disparities in children.

Tips for kids to keep the mouth monsters away

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has made taking care of kids’ oral health fun with their Mouth Monster Hub! It features “Ginger Bite-Us”, “Tartar the Terrible”, and “Tooth D.K.”. What should kids do to care for their mouths? Brush and floss daily and visit the dentist regularly. These extra tips can also help kids of all ages to have healthy teeth:

• Baby bottles: Use only water in bottles before bedtime. Bottles that have sugary liquids, milk, juices, or formula can increase the risk for tooth decay and cavities.
• Thumb sucking: Sucking on a thumb, finger, or pacifier can harm your child’s teeth. It may cause the upper front teeth to tip outward or not come in properly. Your dentist can recommend ways to break the habit.
• Juices: Juices bathe teeth in sugar. Try to limit how much juice you give your child to less than 6 oz. per day. You can also add water to dilute it and lower the amount of sugar.
• Vitamins: Vitamin gummies can contain lots of sugar and can get stuck in teeth. Consider chewable, non-chewable, or liquid vitamins instead.
• Fluoride: Talk to your child’s dentist about the amount of fluoride needed. Fluoride can build strong teeth and prevent cavities. Ask if your child should brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride and/or if they need a fluoride supplement.

Read more about curbing tooth decay in children.

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