DC Dentists Thinking of Children’s Dental Health; Massachusetts Have Daycare Workers Brushing Kids Teeth

There are some parents in the Massachusetts area who are ‘up in arms’ regarding their preschoolers and daycare aged children’s new daily activity. It’s brushing their teeth.

There are new regulations in place that all licensed child care facilities either have to allow the children to brush their teeth after a meal or one of the staff has to do it for the child. Many of the overworked and underpaid staff thinks this is an outrage and many of the parents feel the government should keep their hands out of their children’s mouths. Then there are those parents who believe it is a wonderful idea and ask why hasn’t DC dentists thought of this sooner. 

The mandatory tooth brushing of all children in licensed daycare or preschools in Massachusetts became in effect in January of this year and it’s the first mandate of its kind in the country. It is for any child who spends more than four hours at a licensed care facility.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, most children between the ages of three and five have their first cavity. And for most, cavities are alive and living in the mouths of children of all ages. A DC dentist states that the children with the most problems are the ones who live in poverty and the epidemic of cavities is a preventable one.

Minerals in the teeth break down due to the bacteria in the mouth, gums and teeth. The way to rid the mouth of bacteria and save teeth from cavities and decay is brushing them. The other culprit to creating cavities is sugar and there is an increase in the consumption of sugary snacks, juices and sodas in this country by younger and younger children. This is why nearly all dentists surveyed about the new mandate think it’s a great idea.  

A professional teeth whitening DC dentist does not recommend whitening young children’s teeth, even the permanent ones because the harsh bleaches and chemicals could have a damaging effect on their delicate and developing gums.