Oklahoma City Indian Clinic offers tips to keep children’s teeth healthy

Parents can teach children proper dental hygiene with this advice

OKLAHOMA CITY – Tooth decay, or cavities, is the single most common chronic disease in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Early childhood dental visits are essential in order to help prevent tooth decay, which can cause pain, trouble concentrating or other medical issues. Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) is offering the following dental care tips for Oklahomans to help keep their children’s teeth healthy.

“Tooth decay can lead to infection of the teeth, gums and tooth loss,” said Dr. Timothy Kinnard, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic dental director. “It’s important for parents to ensure their child is receiving proper dental care at a young age, so we can help identify and prevent dental diseases that could have long-term effects. Parents should also help their child practice good dental hygiene, so brushing and flossing can turn in to healthy habits.”

During National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, OKCIC focused on being more accessible to young children. It hosted a mobile dental unit to provide more access and services for patients. The clinic was awarded dental supplies from the American Dental Association, to help celebrate “Give Kids a Smile Day” on Feb. 6.

Oklahomans can follow these tips to keep their children’s teeth healthy:

Start young. Take your children to the dentist for checkups as soon as their teeth start showing. Visiting the dentist at an early age will help them get accustomed to the routine and to the staff. These visits will also allow the dentist to check the progress of new teeth and provide early diagnosis of any complications that could arise as you baby’s teeth move in.

Develop healthy habits early. Encouraging your children to develop healthy habits at a young age will help prevent dental complications later on in life. Children should brush their teeth twice a day for approximately two minutes each time and should start flossing once a day as soon as teeth start to touch. Dental visits and checkups should occur once every six months.

Limit sugary foods. Too much sugar in the diet can cause cavities. Limit fruit juices, sodas and candy that are overloaded with sugar. Nuts, cheese and yogurt contain calcium that can be extremely beneficial to the strength and development of teeth and supporting structures.

Teach by example. Children learn by watching and imitating the people around them, specifically their parents. Share your dental hygiene routines with your kids. If it is time for your kids to brush or floss, join them in the routine to show that you take care of your teeth as well. The better you take care of your teeth, the greater the chances of your children developing the same healthy habits.

For more information, visit www.okcic.com.

 – About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to urban Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 18,000 patients from more than 220 federally recognized tribes every year. Urban Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.