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Hygiene In Toddlers

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Dental Hygiene in Infants and Toddlers
The creator of an unsymmetrical smile covered with hundreds of toxic bacteria, a combination of yellow and brown rather than white, some even black as the tiny teeth decay-- Early Childhood Caries. The American Academy of Dentistry defines Early Childhood Caries (ECC) as "The presence of 1 or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surface in any primary tooth in a child 71 months of age or younger" (15). According to Collins, the lack of dental hygiene practiced in infants and toddlers has led ECC to be one of the most frequent childhood diseases seen by a dentist and continues to thrive in the mouths of infants and toddlers across the United States (2). Dental hygiene such as simply brushing an infant's …show more content…

The National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that a child should be given food that are low on sugar saving special treats such as cookies and candies for “special occasions” (“A Healthy Mouth” 2). The AAP also recommends that toddlers should be limited to two healthy snacks per day, stating that the “frequent exposure to sugar” increases the risk of an infant developing ECC due to the sugar left in the child’s mouth for a long period (“How to Prevent”). The ADA suggests that infant should follow a balanced and healthy diet, but to many low income parents healthy foods are not always an option due to the high cost of organic food (“Statement”). As many of the participants in the survey conducted by Collins et al. suggested that the “Healthy foods” are more expensive than the unhealthy snacks making it harder for low income parents to be able to afford them. Collins et al. also states how the Woman, Infants, and Children Food and Nutrition Service, also known as WIC provides parents with a limited amount of fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods (“Framing Young Childrens” 13). Although WIC benefits are very limited this program still helps parents provide a healthy and a decent diet for their children. Fluoride can be found in many things such are the water at home, toothpaste, or can also be applied at the dentist. Fluoride is described by the NIH as “a mineral that can prevent …show more content…

There are many techniques used to facilitate this, such as the toothbrushes used or creating a routine. The article “Dental care for toddlers” reveals that many toddler toothbrushes are designed with cartoons or other characteristics so that the child is attracted to it. The article also explains that there are special toothbrushes in the market that can be used until the age of five; these toothbrushes allow the child to easily handle it by providing a “non-slip cushioned handle” and are also softer than the adult toothbrushes for comfort (Raising Children Network 2). Participants in the survey conducted by Collin’s et al. discovered that children are more likely to be more cooperative when a routine is established. Through the survey the participants established a routine with their children and also included other things such as singing a song or brushing their teeth together; they claimed that including something fun to the activity allowed the child to enjoy brushing their teeth (“Framing Your Children's” 19). Although many dentist suggests that brushing a child’s teeth after every meal or snack the best way, as parents this is almost an impossible task, the AAP suggest that infants should brush their teeth twice a day—morning and at night—using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste from one to three years of age (“How to

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