Oral Health Month

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS Oral Health Month 8 BY TODD LEWYS I t's been one of the Manitoba Dental Association's (MDA) biggest kids' oral health initiatives for more than three decades. Yet despite its light-hearted title, Tooth Fairy Saturday — long a staple at The Winnipeg International Children's Festival — is a fun event that takes serious aim at preventing tooth decay in kids of all ages. "It's an event that traditionally takes place all day on a Saturday, with dental and orthodontics screenings being provided for f ree," says Dr. Richard Santos. "We usually see hundreds of kids. The idea is to provide a fun, positive experience of coming to the dentist that families will make a habit of in the years to come." He adds that the idea is to make kids as comfortable as possible right off the hop. "We will sit with parents' knee- to-knee and lay the child down between us if they're younger, while we may have bigger or older kids sit in a chair with their parents next to them. That keeps them calm and allows the parents to take part in the screening. Doing that puts everyone at ease." From there, the dentist or orthodontist will proceed with the examination. "Generally, things are good, but every now and then we find something that's wrong," he says. "The idea is to provide an informal atmosphere where kids can feel comfortable, and parents can ask questions about how to take care of their child's teeth." It also gives dental care providers a chance to dispense some great advice on how to maintain a young child's teeth properly. "For example, some parents have asked if it's appropriate to use a finger brush for a child that's one or two years old," notes Santos. "We tell them it's often best to use a regular brush that has shorter bristles designed specifically for smaller mouths and teeth. Children should brush at least twice a day." Then, there's the matter of flossing. "The general recommendation is to start flossing when your child has two teeth that touch. Generally, that's by age two or three, when kids get their baby molars, but can sometimes be sooner. We recommend that parents do it for their kids until they can do it well enough on their own. The important thing is to get into a routine as early as possible." There are also other good dental habits that parents can instill when kids are young, he adds. "To prevent tooth decay in early childhood, don't let infants go to bed with sugary drinks. Enamel on a baby tooth is much thinner than enamel on permanent teeth, making them more prone to tooth decay. Sugar seems to be in everything now, so you've got to be very aware." By the same token, brushing teeth and flossing should be the last task of the day. "We recommend that kids don't eat or drink after brushing," emphasizes Santos. "If your child is thirsty, give them only water to drink. Otherwise, all the good the brushing and flossing they did will be cancelled out." This year, Tooth Fairy Saturday will be held on June 8. "Last year was the first year we were back to normal after COVID," he says. "It's one of the best parts of the Children's Festival and is one its busiest days. Everyone has a great time while learning about how to maintain good oral health." " Tooth Fairy Saturday is about familiarizing families with dental care providers & helping them establish sound dental care habits." — Dr. Richard Santos. TOOTH FAIRY SATURDAY AIMS AT ELIMINATING TOOTH DECAY IN KIDS OF ALL AGES

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