Page 10 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - February 2024

10

HEALTH/WELLNESS

Baby tooth

decay is

preventable

Why are baby teeth
important? Your child needs
strong and healthy teeth so he
can learn to speak clearly, chew
food, save space for growing
permanent teeth and smile
with confidence.
A startling statistic is 75%
of American Indian/Alaska
Native children ages 0-5 have
had dental decay. It’s crucial to
follow a routine that promotes
good dental hygiene from the
very start of a young one’s life!
Tips to keep cavities away
n Avoid giving a bottle at
bedtime and wipe teeth with a
washcloth or toothbrush before
bed.
n Offer a cup with water to
Steps to overcome a relapse your child starting at 6 months.
Allow your child to practice
with an open cup to prepare for
cup use by the first birthday.
n Take your baby for a
Best chance at recovery the decision to end your substance dental checkup as soon as teeth
is to simply show up START A NEW JOURNEY use. It involves actively deciding erupt or by age 1.
to incorporate positive values
n Offer your toddler/child
The most important words and changes in your daily life and water only between meals.
you will hear in the beginning Don’t continue to struggle slowly applying those changes. n Avoid providing
of recovering from addiction are with your addiction. Start The main elements that sweetened beverages such as
“keep coming back.” your recovery journey today support successful recovery pop, fruit drinks, sports drinks
These words sound simple. by calling 360-709-1733 include but are not limited to the and sweetened tea.
However, in the beginning of and meeting with one of our following: n Do not allow your toddler
our recovery, we tend to feel counselors. Chehalis Tribe 1. Health: Having a life that to carry a sippy cup around
uncomfortable and unwelcome Behavioral Health is at promotes good physical and (even with water) because of
despite the pleasantness of 420 Howanut Road. psychological health. the likelihood of a fall that
others. 2. Home: Finding a stable and might damage teeth.
Regardless of our reasoning safe place to feel secure is a key n Brush baby’s teeth twice
or excuses, it becomes difficult to factor to supporting recovery. a day using a smear of fluoride
keep coming back after a relapse. program to overcome addictions. 3. Purpose: Taking part in toothpaste on a soft, bristly
But if we are tired of addiction In time, we will grow to feel meaningful routines, activities or baby toothbrush.
and what it is doing to us and comfortable in a recovery lifestyle. hobbies help you stay engaged in n Transition away from a
we want a different life, then Stages of a relapse social and community activities, bottle to an open cup by first
coming back is exactly what we which promotes independence birthday.
must do! Emotional: Feelings of anxiety, and overall well-being. n The last thing in your
Eventually, if we are doing isolation or low social support put 4. Community: An effective child’s mouth before bed should
things correctly, we will actively them at higher risk of using support system offers strength, be a toothbrush.
involve ourselves in the solution, Mental: Missing the people and hope and encouragement, helping
rather than continuing to be places associated with using to build a solid foundation, which
part of the problem! We will Physical: Actively using a is absolutely needed for a healthy
begin to experience peace and substance again recovery.
happiness rather than chaos and * Does not include biochemical Studies show that active
misery. aspects of a relapse (for example, involvement with a treatment
We must take the necessary craving) program helps support your
steps to complete the treatment, progress and monitor your
therapy, self-help meetings and Elements of success condition, which can lead to less
work required in a recovery Recovery starts when you make potential for relapse.