February 15, 2019
Here at the Cabell County Family Resource Network, we promote children’s dental health every day of the year. When we spread the word about dental homes, age-one dental visits and other key information, we communicate about the Brush, Book, Bed campaign from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It’s easy and for parents and caregivers to remember and replicate in your own homes. The Brush, Book, Bed (BBB) campaign includes the following three components:
Each night:
- Help your children to brush their teeth
- Read a favorite book (or two!)
- Get to bed at a regular time each night.
This week’s blog post will focus on the Brush portion of the BBB campaign. How can you ensure that your child is brushing properly to keep those pearly whites healthy?
As soon your baby is born, start establishing regular dental health routines. If course, they won’t have teeth yet, but you can use a soft washcloth to wipe your baby’s gums after feedings. As your baby’s teeth come in (and up until age 3), start to brush them and introduce healthy foods to decrease the possibilities of early tooth decay. Use only a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
For children ages 3-6, increase the toothpaste to a the size of pea. Make sure your child brushes at least 2 minutes twice a day. It’s OK for your child to brush his or her own teeth, but make sure they are getting those hard-to-reach spots. If your child just isn’t having it, try playing a fun game, singing a song or telling a story to help your child brush his or her teeth. Kids love repetition and fun, so use that to your advantage!
The age 1 dental visit is vital to establishing a dental home for your child and ensuring his or her health for a lifetime.
To implement Brush, Book, Bed into your regular routine, use these resources: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Brush-Book-Bed.aspx
This project is done in collaboration with DentaQuest Foundation, and the Community and School Oral Health Team at Marshall University School of Medicine applauds the efforts of the Cabell County FRN as it works to empower families in our local communities. The Cabell County FRN recognizes that families cannot be healthy unless they have the proper knowledge and tools on how to care and maintain healthy teeth and mouths.
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The Cabell County Family Resource Network (FRN) is a partnership of individuals, families and agencies working together to promote the well-being of children and families in Cabell County. Since its incorporation in September 1993, the Cabell County FRN has brought together a broad-based representation of partners, including business representatives, consumers, and service providers from health, education, housing, and social services. These partners are critical to improving the well-being of our families and children. The Cabell County FRN envisions a coordinated, community-based social service system responsive to the needs of families and effective in enhancing the success of individuals and families to responsibly achieve their goals.