Early Childhood Dental Care

Every child deserves a beautiful smile!

Say cheese and show off those smiles. For children, it’s so important for their overall health to have a beautiful smile, but it involves developing good habits from early on. For parents, there are simple guidelines to follow, and your pediatrician and dental provider can help you create a routine.

Good oral care begins before a baby’s first tooth appears. It’s as simple as wiping a baby’s mouth with a soft cloth. When teeth appear, brush baby’s teeth once in the morning and once before bed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small dot of fluoride toothpaste. Children should be established at a dentist by the age of one, or six months after their first tooth appears.

Developing healthy eating habits is the key, and guiding your child through the holidays will take some preparation. Choose food and drinks that are low in added sugar. Check the label of ingredients and compare the sugar content of juices and drinks. If possible, bring kids drinks with you to a family event.

Clean Teeth Before Sleep

Children should always go to bed with clean teeth and never fall asleep with a bottle. At the first few dental appointments, parents will learn about the importance of reducing the frequency and consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

Consider these thoughts:

• The frequency of intake is more important than overall quantity
• Snacking or “grazing” between meals should be discouraged
• Avoid frequent consumption of soft drinks, juices and sports drinks as they promote cavities and can be extremely erosive
• In between every meal or snack try to give teeth a rest for at least two hours
• Drink milk with meals, drink water between meals and avoid sugary juice and soda

At Home Oral Health Includes Brushing and Flossing

Childhood tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is the most common chronic disease in the United States. There are many ways to prevent cavities and it all starts from day one. The most effective prevention techniques include brushing and flossing, diet modification, fluoride, sealants and routine dental visits.

For children ages 0-8, a parent should assist with homecare because children simply don’t have the dexterity to properly care for their own teeth. Once they are able to brush by themselves, help your child brush their teeth. Flossing your child’s teeth can be a battle, but it’s a battle you truly want to win. Cavities in between teeth are very common among children and can be prevented with daily flossing.

Dental Health Tips for Young Children

Think of dental care as you do primary care. Schedule regular check-ups. Your dentist will monitor proper brushing, signs of sleep apnea, grinding or clenching teeth and bite development. Brush in the morning and before bedtime.

Some other routines to consider:

• Don’t share spoons. You can spread cavity causing bacteria to a child by sharing spoons
• Transition from a bottle to an open top cup when your child is one year old
• Prevent cavities with fluoride varnish
• Sealants are one of the most successful methods for preventing decay especially in young permanent teeth

Be a Role Model

Parents should brush regularly and keep their teeth healthy too. Establish a dental home for the whole family. Routine dental visits every six months with radiographs, periodic examination and a cleaning will help both parents and kids understand how they can take the absolute best care of their smiles.

Family dentists and pediatricians together focus on prevention and spotting the warning signs that could indicate a problem in the making, especially when it comes to young teeth and oral health.

Remember that a child who is cavity free until the age of three will have a greater than 60% chance of staying cavity free for life.