Dental infection: The #1 reason why kids miss school

By Laura Briedis

With the kids back in school, parents want to make sure they stay healthy and don’t miss any class time. To keep them at their desk instead of home in bed, just make sure they are brushing their teeth for two minutes twice a day.

“The number one reason children miss school is dental infection,” says Dr. Jennifer Bryk Hechko, owner of Brecksville Kids Dentistry. According to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year because of dental-related problems. But they shouldn’t have to be, as tooth decay is largely preventable.

The staff at Brecksville Kids Dentistry is on a mission to educate patients and parents on how proper brushing, along with eating a healthy diet, can ward off cavities and other dental problems.

“To give your child a healthy start in life, it is important to take care of his or her teeth and gums,” says Dr. Jen.

“I recommend that children see a dentist within six months of the first tooth eruption, but no later than the age of one. Preventive checkups are the key to good oral health.”

In early childhood, parents need to brush their child’s teeth in the morning and at night, along with flossing once a day. Dr. Jen says use no more than a small bead of non-fluoride toothpaste until 18 months, and then switch to fluoride toothpaste.

“I tell parents the last thing that should be in a child’s mouth before bedtime is toothpaste,” says Dr. Jen.

It is important adults brush their children’s teeth until they have the skills to do it properly on their own. If children cannot tie their own shoes, they probably are not ready to brush by themselves. Generally, by age 10, most children should be able to brush teeth without supervision.

Even if kids are properly brushing their teeth, what they eat can affect their teeth.

“A healthy diet can ward off dental problems,” says Dr. Jen. “I recommend that parents do not pack any gummy, sticky fruit snacks in their child’s lunch. I also would limit juice to four to six ounces a day and avoid Gatorade and other sports and energy drinks.”

“When your child takes a sip of these sugary drinks, it causes two hours of constant sugar attack in the mouth,” she adds.

“If they want to have sports drinks, they should consume it in five to 10 minutes, instead of drinking it over a long period. And drink water afterward to clear the mouth of any sugars.”

To help prevent cavities, Brecksville Kids Dentistry can apply sealants on the molars. And if a cavity develops (which more than 40 percent of children ages two to 11 will have), the dentist can restore the tooth using a white filling material or crown. In some cases, an extraction with a space maintainer may be necessary.

To put the patients at ease during treatment, the office has a certified therapy dog. Balto, a Bichon Frise hypoallergenic breed, comforts children by putting its chin on the patient’s lap or, if requested, even sitting in the dental chair with a child.

This caring, child-centric philosophy at Brecksville Kids Dentistry makes going to the dentist a positive, fun adventure.

“We educate our patients and build a foundation of excellent oral health,” says Dr. Jen. “Our goal as pediatric dentists is to send children off to college with good oral hygiene habits and a smile to last them a lifetime.”

Brecksville Kids Dentistry is located at 8801 Brecksville Road, Suite 5, in Brecksville. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For an appointment, call 440-838-5445 or visit BrecksvilleKids.com.