| Teen Oral Health |
With so many big concerns around today's teen's healthy development, oral hygiene may seem like a comparatively small issue. However, neglecting the simple necessity of brushing and flossing can compound into pricey, even painful, lifelong problems. The Center for Disease Control estimates that between 50% and 68% of all US teenagers have untreated caries, a breakdown of the tooth layers caused by bacteria in the mouth.
Your teen may resist your suggestions to brush and floss for a variety of reasons: balancing busy school, extracurricular and work schedules, rebellion, and disregard of long-term complications. Fear deters many teens from regular dental appointments. While a mature, rational conversation would be nice, you may need some other approaches up your sleeve to achieve compliance.
Appearance and social acceptance are important to teens, capitalize on them. Regular brushing and flossing are vital to preventing bad breath and maintaining a better-looking smile.
Provide a choice of toothbrushes, flosses and toothpastes in the family bathroom. You may be surprised by the results of this passive tactic. Teens with braces should have a fluoride rinse after brushing to prevent dental decay under the device.
Use incentives. Suggest teens brush for the duration of a favorite song, it may increase their brushing time. If appropriate, your teen may enjoy the feeling of independence from driving alone to dental visits. Alternately, plan something fun after the appointment.
Resist the temptation to motivate through fear-mongering threats of cavities and root canals. You may bolster resistance dental visits by focusing on pain and scary stories.
As with all other aspects of good parenting, model healthy oral habits, your teen will follow your example.
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| Please turn it up.
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| Infants start learning as soon as they are born. They depend on their senses to understand the world. A hearing problem could have lifelong consequences if not treated early on. Because hearing loss can go undetected until two or three years of age, it's especially important to screen newborns early.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive a hearing screening before coming home from the hospital.
Identifying hearing problems before age six months usually allows for help with learning development so the child keeps on par with her peers.
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| Before Fun in the Sun |
You may want to think twice before the next time you tell your child to "Go play outside."
Up to 80% of harmful sun exposure occurs before age 18, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. That's because kids spend more time outdoors than their parents, especially during summer vacation.
Taking a few easy precautions now will contribute to your child's lasting health:
• liberally apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 30 minutes before going outside,
• limit exposure during the sunniest hours of the day, from 10am to 4pm,
• wear a sun hat and lightweight, adequate clothing.
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