As a parent, you do all you can to keep your kids healthy and smiling. If your efforts currently do not include regular dental checkups and cleanings, the following information from a recent summit on dental health in Chicago and the 2000 Surgeon General’s Report may motivate you to make an appointment.
Dental disease is the most common childhood illness, and contrary to what many parents think, problems with baby teeth can transfer to adult teeth. Dental disease currently accounts for 51 million lost school hours per year and additionally, it can hinder eating habits, growth and development.
According to recent research, the cost of dental care is an inhibitor for many parents who would otherwise keep their children up-to-date with dental visits.
Currently, only 1 in 3 children that rely on Medicaid have a dental visit per year. Couple this rate with the fact that 40% of children in the U.S. are from low-income families and the root of the dental disease problem becomes more apparent.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is currently developing new strategies to help reduced the occurrence of dental disease among children. One method is for pediatricians to screen for oral health problems during annual health checkups.
In addition to these efforts, other options exist for families struggling to pay for dental care.
Discount dental plans are an alternative to dental insurance – providing discounts of 10% to 60% on most dental procedures. Whether children just need to catch up on checkups and cleanings, or if they need more serious work done, discount dental plans can help reduce the bill. To find a plan in your area, visit DentalPlans.com today.
By keeping your children current with their dental visits, you’ll reinforce the importance of good dental hygiene – making it easier to promote preventative home dental care such as brushing and flossing.
Here are a few more ways to promote good dental hygiene in your home:
Make it a game
Do your kids have a favorite song? Let them listen to it while they brush their teeth. Some new toothbrushes for kids even have songs by popular artists built into them. This can help make brushing an activity that your kids look forward to.
Reward healthy dentist checkups
Barring dental problems that your kids can’t prevent, give them a reward for a healthy checkup. The honor system may be beatable in the short run, but if cavities start showing up at the dentist, it’ll be easy to see who has or has not been brushing their teeth. Why not allow an extra piece of candy or an afternoon ice cream trip as a reward for good dental hygiene?
Remind, remind, remind
Let’s face it. There are lots of things that are more fun to think about than dental hygiene – especially when you’re five! A reminder during breakfast or dinner, or when you are brushing your own teeth can go a long way.
© 2008 DentalPlans.com