Recently I had to pleasure to participate at the Hollywood YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day. It was a very hot day and the turnout was great. The Y had some of their youth groups perform, like the dance group and the karate group. There were government agencies, local government representatives and some of the local schools represented along with some different health care providers. I was the only actual dentist at the event and what I tried to do was be very consistent in my message about dental care.
I would always ask the kids if they brush their teeth when the parents as them to. Now a few kids would say or shake their head yes and the parents would agree. And every now and then the kids would say or shake their heads no and the parents would also agree. But the vast majority of the time the kids would say or shake their heads yes and the parents would shake their heads NO.
And that’s when I would go into my message and this message is good for everyone. And the first part of the message is simple. Excellent dental health is the result of a partnership between you and your dentist. And the second part of the message is that it doesn’t matter how good a job your dentist or hygienist does, if you don’t do the very best you can with your home care and diet then you increase your risk of getting dental disease (cavities and gum disease)
I would emphasize to the kids that ok or good brushing isn’t good enough, it has to be the very best, and I would try to educate the kids and the parents as to healthy eating habits (where eating frequency can be as important as what you are actually eating) along with other habits for a healthy mouth.
The kids got sample tooth brushes and a special tooth shaped sand timer for helping them make sure they brushed their teeth long enough. There were also samples of Spry products, mints and gums that are sweetened with Xylitol which is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, a sugar that bacteria can’t metabolize to cause cavities. Xylitol also has the ability to neutralize certain cavity causing bacteria.
There are several reasons why this message is so important. First, those of you who know me know that I am about prevention. There is nothing better than the original product when it comes to your mouth. Second, it is about trying to reinforce the parents desire for their children to have healthy teeth. Lastly in today’s world, where fewer people are getting dental insurance, and where even fewer people are going to the dentist even once a year, prevention is the only way to go.
If you have any questions about what I wrote here, or would like a complimentary consultation at our office please email us [email protected]