The importance of dental hygiene for Kids

The importance of dental hygiene for Kids

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the Healthcare Network joined Gulf Coast News to discuss the importance of dental care for kids.

Updated: 10:22 AM EST Feb 24, 2025

FORECAST FROM GULF COAST WEATHER. ALL RIGHT. THANKS GET READY HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD SMILE ON TRACK. TOOTH DECAY? MOST COMMON PREVENTABLE. CHRONIC DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES. THAT’S WHY IT’S ALWAYS VERY IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE GOODENTAL CARE, FEBRUARY, IF YOU DID NOT KNOW NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTHONTH THIS MORNING, DR DOGS WITH US. IT’S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE DOCTOR. DOUG CAN’T JOINING US FROM HEALTH CARE NETWORK DIUSSING THE IMPORTANCE OF DTAL CARE FOR KIDS. AND DOCTOR, ANK YOU FOR COMING IN. IT’S GOOD TO SEE THANKS FOR HAVING ME. WELL. DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN, SPECIFICALLY SMALL CHILDREN. IT STARTS EARLY AND THERE’S A GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THAT. TELL US ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE. THE IMPORTANT SAYS THAT BABY TEETH JUST LIKE ADULT TEETH SERVE THE PURPOSE. BUT IF THEY’RE NOT TAKING CARE OF IT ACTUALLY C CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH SOCIAL EMOTIONAL, EVEN SCHOOLWORK BECOMES A PROBLEM. IF YOU’RE IN PAIN, WHEN SHOULD WE START BRUSHING OUR CHILDREN SAFE? >> WELL, AS SOON AS THE FIRST TOOTH COMES IN. BUT EVEN BEFORE THAT, YOU CAN KEEP THE GUN PADS CLEAN WITH EITHER A WET WASHCLOTH OR A LITTLE SILICON FINGER CAT THAT YOU CAN READ ON THE MS. WHAT IF YOU HAVE A PICKY TEETH? PRESSURE? >> AND E FAMILY SAY A 5 YEAR-OLD LITTLE BOY EXPRESSION IS STEVE. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS WE CAN ENGAGE WITH OUR CHILDREN TO MAKE IT A LILE BIT MORE INTERESTING THE BEST WAY THAT I KNOW OF IS TO MODEL. >> GOOD BEHAVIOR. MAKE TO FRESHEN FUN, DO IT ALG WITH YOUR CHILD. HAVE THEM WATCH WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND THEN AFTER YOU U’RE ALL DONE WITH YOUR TEETH AND THEY’RE ALL DONE WITH THEIR TEETH. JUST GOING HELP THEM FINISH THE JOB SO THEY CAN KEEP THEIR SMILE. >> WHAT ARE SOME PROBLEMS? CHILDREN? CANTON COUNTY, I KNOW YOU MENTIONED SOME SOCIAL FACTS THINGS LIKE WHAT ARE SOME OTHER PROBLEMS THAT RUN INTO IF YOU’RE NOT STARTING AT A GOOD TIME, SIR, PERSON, THOSE TEETH? WELL, DENTAL DECAY OBVIOUSLY CAN SPREAD. IT IS A BACTERIAL INFECTION. >> AND IF THE CAVITIES BECOME DEEP, IT CAN CAUSE PAIN OR INFEION, WHICH CAN AFFECT THE PERMANENT TEETH THAT ARE UNDERNEATH THE GUMS. SO THAT’S THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS PAIN AND INFECTION AND IF YOU’RE CHRONICALLY ANY PAIN, IT JUST AFFECTS THE WAY YOU FEEL EVERY DAY. >> HOUSE DEFINITELY. YES. AND I’M SUREN YOUR PROFESSION TO YOUTH THAT PARENTS ARE HEARD, OTHERS SAY, OH, I DON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT IT. NOW, THESE ARE ALL JUST BABY. YES, THAT UNFORTUNATELY IS FAR TOO OFN THE CASE. AND I THINK JUST EDUCATION GOING TO THE DENTIST EVERY 6 MONTHS ARE SOME OF THE BEST WAYS TO LEARN WHY KEEPING YOUR TEETH CLEAN AND CAVITY FREE ARE IMPORTANT. TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE OPTIONS WITHIN PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE AT HEALTH CARE NETWORK AND WHAT PEOPLE CAN GET INVOLVED IN. WELL. HEALTH CARE NETWORK TRICE AND DOES A GOOD JOB IT. OUR MISSION, WHH IS FINDING AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL WE HAVE MOBILE UNITS THAT GO OUT TO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS. ONE IS THE RALD MCDONALD RE MOBILE, WHICH DOES SEALANTS AND DENTAL SCREENINGS FOR CHILDREN IN FIRST AND SECOND GRADES. WE HAVE A NEW MOBILE UNIT. GENEROUSLY DONATED BY THE THEN DONALD AND FAMILY. IT’S CALLED HEALTHCARE EXPRESS AND WILL PROVIDE MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE. IN A STATE-OF-THE-ART MOBILE UNIT. T MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE ARE STARTING A RESIDEY PROGRAM. GREAT AT HEALTH CARE NETWORK, SPECIFICALLY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY. WHERE WILL BE HAVING RESIDENTS COME IN TO LEARN HOW TO TREAT CHILDREN AND WE’LL WORK CLOSELY WITH LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH AND THEY’LL GET A GREAT EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND HOPEFULLY DECIDE TO STAY BECAUSE WE DON’T HA ENOUGH. PEDIATRIC DENTISTS IN FLORIDA. IT’S VERY IMPORTANT. I DON’T THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK ABOUT ITS IMPORTANCE UNTIL PERHAPS YOU HAVE KIDS THEIR OWN. I NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS THOUGHT OF THOUGHT OF ITS IMPORTANCE. LIFE AND I CERTAINLY CHILDREN. I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT. HAVING COME HERE FROM THE NORTHEAST. FIND THAT THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE MIGRT FARMING COMMUNITY THAT THAT. DENTAL ISSUES, WHETHER THEY BE CULTURAL OR JUST LACK OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE REGARDING ORAL HEALTH. IT HAS BECOME A BIG PROBLEM AND WE THINK THAT’S HOW THIS RESIDENCY WILL HELP BECAUSE WE’LL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE INCREASED ACCESS TO CARE FOR THE CHILDREN IN COLLIER COUNTY WAS JUST SO IMPORTANT. YES, ESPECIALLY AS YOU MENTIONED, WHEN YOU CONSIDER PERHAPS EVEN LANGUAGE BARRIERS. AND YES, THOSE LINES JUST TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT ITS IMPORTANCE. YES, CAN BE CHALLENGING ENOUGH. >> IF PEOPLE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON HEALTH CARE NETWORK PERHAPS YOU YOURSELF, WHERE CAN THEY GO? IS THEIREBSITE OR PHONE >> WE ARE LOCATED AT. HEALTH CARE. THAT ORG OUR PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY CLINIC IS LOCATED ON COLLIER BOULEVARD. NAPLES, AND WE WOULD LOVE. YOUR CHILDREN. ANYBODY COMING OUT? YES, I LOVE IT. AND ALSO JUST OFF THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD. IF PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM, CAN THEY JUST GO TO THE WEBSITE LEARN MORE ABOUT? YES, WE HAVE A LINK FROM THE WEBSITE TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT HAVE ACCEPTED. SO READY TO GO. THAT’S AWESOME. I LOVE THAT. GREAT NEWS, DOCTOR, GOOD TO HAVE YOU. AND YES, IT’S GREAT TO CHAT WITH IMPORTANT STUFF. IT’S 9.25. WE G

The importance of dental hygiene for Kids

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the Healthcare Network joined Gulf Coast News to discuss the importance of dental care for kids.

Updated: 10:22 AM EST Feb 24, 2025

Get ready to help keep your child’s smile on track. Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the U.S. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a child’s physical and social development, as well as school performance. That’s why it’s important to promote good dental care.February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Dr. Douglas Keck from the Healthcare Network joined Gulf Coast News to discuss the importance of dental care for kids.According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90% of all systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms. However, only about half of children ages 2 to 18 have private dental insurance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children most at risk for tooth decay and oral disease are from lower socioeconomic families where barriers to care such as low health literacy among caregivers, language proficiency, lack of dental insurance and geographic access are prevalent. That’s why being able to provide dental services to patients is part of Healthcare Network’s mission to offer affordable health care for all. Their state-of-the-art pediatric dental facilities in Golden Gate at Nichols Community Health Center are available to all families, including patients with health and dental insurance.The Healthcare Network also offers care in its mobile units. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile provides dental screenings and preventative care to at-risk children throughout Collier County. They also have the Van Domelen Health Express to provide comprehensive dental and medical care to children and underserved communities.While regular dental visits for children are essential, parents and caregivers play a critical role in encouraging good dental hygiene at home, even before that first dental appointment. It’s important to start oral care early, even before teeth appear. Use a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush to gently wipe their gums after feeding. This helps remove bacteria and introduces them to a routine. Also, make brushing fun, like brushing your own teeth alongside your child to model good habits or play their favorite song.Also, do not forget routine dental checkups. Dentists recommend scheduling the first dental visit by age one or within six months after the first tooth emerges. Regular checkups every six months allow early detection of potential issues and help children become comfortable with dental visits.Healthcare Network is now accepting new medical residents for a new residency in Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through the program, dental residents will have an opportunity to gain experience with Lee Health through Golisano Children’s Hospital. The 24-month program is accredited.For more information on pediatric dental sedation, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000 to schedule an appointment.WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE!

GOLDEN GATE, Fla. —

Get ready to help keep your child’s smile on track. Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the U.S. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a child’s physical and social development, as well as school performance. That’s why it’s important to promote good dental care.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Dr. Douglas Keck from the Healthcare Network joined Gulf Coast News to discuss the importance of dental care for kids.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90% of all systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms. However, only about half of children ages 2 to 18 have private dental insurance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children most at risk for tooth decay and oral disease are from lower socioeconomic families where barriers to care such as low health literacy among caregivers, language proficiency, lack of dental insurance and geographic access are prevalent. That’s why being able to provide dental services to patients is part of Healthcare Network’s mission to offer affordable health care for all. Their state-of-the-art pediatric dental facilities in Golden Gate at Nichols Community Health Center are available to all families, including patients with health and dental insurance.

The Healthcare Network also offers care in its mobile units. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile provides dental screenings and preventative care to at-risk children throughout Collier County. They also have the Van Domelen Health Express to provide comprehensive dental and medical care to children and underserved communities.

While regular dental visits for children are essential, parents and caregivers play a critical role in encouraging good dental hygiene at home, even before that first dental appointment. It’s important to start oral care early, even before teeth appear. Use a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush to gently wipe their gums after feeding. This helps remove bacteria and introduces them to a routine. Also, make brushing fun, like brushing your own teeth alongside your child to model good habits or play their favorite song.

Also, do not forget routine dental checkups. Dentists recommend scheduling the first dental visit by age one or within six months after the first tooth emerges. Regular checkups every six months allow early detection of potential issues and help children become comfortable with dental visits.

Healthcare Network is now accepting new medical residents for a new residency in Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through the program, dental residents will have an opportunity to gain experience with Lee Health through Golisano Children’s Hospital. The 24-month program is accredited.

For more information on pediatric dental sedation, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000 to schedule an appointment.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE!