Volume 1, Number 4 November 2005

Oral Health in Young Children

Are you promoting oral health in your child care program? Tooth brushing and healthy foods are important ingredients in a healthy child care environment

Planning Meals and Snacks
Programs that provide meals to children should be following the guidelines established by the USDA and Healthy Child Care America. The Child Care Food Program guides participants in meal planning and offers suggestions that are low in sugar. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good snack choices, avoiding the three "Cs"-cake, cookies and candy. Dried fruits, such as raisins, are usually high in sugar, and not advisable for young children due to sugar content and choking hazard. 100% fruit juice should only be served, never fruit drinks. Water is the best drink to quench a child's thirst during the day, while milk should be served at meals. Visit www.usda.gov for more information on meal choices

Tooth brushing
Dentists recommend oral health screenings for all children by their first birthday, and children typically begin to see a dentist at three years of age. Children who are at risk for caries include those who are from low-income families with poor access to dental care. Children who eat a lot of sugary foods, use a bottle at night with milk, juice or soda or use sippy cups with sweet drinks are also at risk for caries.
To prevent caries, children should stop bottle feeding between 15 - 18 months of age and not use a sippy cup for a long period of time. Additionally, a caregiver that practices good oral health will transfer that practice to the child. Oral germs (mutans streptococci) can be transmitted from an adult to the child by kissing the child on the lips. Child care centers can easily initiate a tooth brushing policy for children. Brushes brought from home should be stored bristles up and covered. An adult should place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and assist the children as they brush their teeth. The other children waiting can sing the entire "Alphabet Song", a good timing mechanism for how long one should brush her teeth.
Infants should have their teeth cleaned with a soft, wet cloth, especially before naptime and bedtime.

Flu Season Arrives! Are you Ready?

• Influenza vaccine is recommended for all children 6-23 months of age, care providers of children 0-23 months of age in the child care setting , and persons =2 years of age who have high-risk medical conditions for influenza-related complications.
• Wash your hands and the hands of the children in your care throughout the day, especially before and after meals, after toileting and diapering, and before naptime. Infants and toddlers will need help washing their hands.
• Clean toys, countertops and commonly shared items at least daily and when visibly soiled.
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered household disinfectant labeled for activity against bacteria and viruses, an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant, or EPA-registered chlorine bleach/hypochlorite solution. Always follow label instructions when using any EPA-registered disinfectant. If EPA-registered chlorine bleach is not available and a generic (i.e., store brand) chlorine bleach is used, mix ¼ cup chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of cool water.
• Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.
• Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing and teach the children to do the same. Clean your hands and throw away used tissues.
• Remind parents of the program's sick policy and be conscious of children who are displaying flu-like symptoms
• Consult your local health department if you notice an increase in respiratory illness in your program.
  
  AAP Revises SIDS Recommendations
  All babies should sleep on their backs and not share a bed in new recommendations released recently by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  The national group has updated its policy on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which remains the cause of more infant deaths beyond the newborn period in the US than any other cause of death during infancy.
  The AAP also recommends the use of pacifiers at nap time and bedtime throughout the first year of life. Studies have shown a significant decline in SIDS in infants that use pacifiers and the benefits outweigh any possible dental complications later on. Pacifiers should be introduced to breastfed infants at one month of age to ensure that breastfeeding is firmly established. In addition, if the infant refuses the pacifier, it should not be forced.

Product Recalls
The following is a sampling of some products recently recalled from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. For a complete listing, visit www.cpsc.gov

Jumbo pencils with sharpeners by Target Corp.
Kelty Speedster Jogging Strollers by American Recreation Products
Lily Chair and Lily Ottoman Bean Bag Sets by Design Ideas
Reebok Children's Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover/Pant Sets by Adjmi Apparel Group
Disney Princess Bracelet Keyrings from Monogram International
"Bottle Sippers" Pull-Up Bottle Caps by Bradshaw International
Spindle Cribs by Pottery Barn Kids
Harley-Davidson 16-inch BMX Bicycles by World Wide Cycles and sold at Toys R Us
Sesame Street Toy Sunglasses by American Greetings
Red Sunglasses/Toddler Cap Sets by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

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