Care for Your Child’s Teeth

There are two main components of Pediatric oral care: preventative care at the dentist’s office and preventative care at home. Infants and toddlers who carry (cavities) and tooth decay have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. A good dental strategy will eradicate the risk of both.

The evaluation and preservation of the health of the child’s teeth are the goals of preventative oral care. Beginning at the age of twelve months, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin to visit the pediatric dentist for “well-baby” checkups. In general, most children should continue to visit the dentist every six months, unless instructed otherwise.

How can a dentist care for my child’s teeth?

The dentist examines the teeth for signs of early decay, monitors orthodontic concerns, tracks jaw and tooth development, and provides a good resource for parents. Furthermore, the pediatric dentist has several tools at hand to further reduce the child’s risk for dental problems, such as topical fluoride and dental sealants.

On a routine visit to the dentist: the child’s mouth will be fully examined; the teeth will be professionally cleaned; topical fluoride might be coated onto the teeth to protect tooth enamel, and any parental concerns can be addressed. The dentist can demonstrate good brushing and flossing techniques, advise parents on dietary issues, provide strategies for thumb sucking and pacifier cessation, and communicate with the child on his or her level.

When molars emerge (usually between the ages of two and three), the dentist may coat them with dental sealant. This sealant covers the hard-to-reach fissures on the molars, sealing out bacteria, food particles, and acid. Dental sealant may last for many months or many years, depending on the oral habits of the child. A dental sealant is an important tool in the fight against tooth decay.

How can I help at home?

Whereas, most parents primarily think of brushing and flossing when they hear the words “pediatric oral care,” good preventative care includes many more factors, such as:

Diet – Parents should provide children with a nourishing, well-balanced diet. Foods with added sugar should be limited, and continuous snacking should be discouraged. Oral bacteria ingest leftover sugar particles in the child’s mouth after each helping of food, emitting harmful acids that erode tooth enamel, gum tissue, and bone. Space out snacks when possible, and provide the child with non-sugary alternatives like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and low-fat yogurt.

Oral habits – Though pacifier use and thumb sucking generally cease over time, both can cause the teeth to misalign. If the child must use a pacifier, choose an “orthodontically” correct model. This will minimize the risk of developmental problems like narrow roof arches and crowding. The dentist can suggest a strategy (or provide a dental appliance) for thumb sucking cessation.

General oral hygiene – On many occasions, parents clean pacifiers and teething toys by sucking on them. Parents may also share eating utensils with the child sometimes. By performing these acts, parents transfer harmful oral bacteria to their child, increasing the risk of early cavities and tooth decay. Instead, rinse toys and pacifiers with warm water, and avoid spoon-sharing whenever possible.

Sippy cup use – Sippy cups are an excellent transitional aid when transferring from a baby bottle to an adult drinking glass. However, sippy cups filled with milk, breast milk, soda, juice, and sweetened water cause small amounts of sugary fluid to continually swill around young teeth – meaning acid continually attacks tooth enamel. Sippy cup use should be terminated between the ages of twelve and fourteen months or as soon as the child has the motor skills to hold a drinking glass.

Brushing – Children’s teeth should be brushed a minimum of two times per day using a soft-bristled brush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Parents should help with the brushing process until the child reaches the age of seven and is capable of reaching all areas of the mouth. Parents should always opt for ADA approved toothpaste (non-fluoridated before the age of two, and fluoridated thereafter). For babies, parents should rub the gum area with a clean cloth after each feeding.

Flossing – Cavities and tooth decay form more easily between teeth. Therefore, the child is at risk for between-teeth cavities wherever two teeth grow adjacent to each other. The dentist can help demonstrate correct head positioning during the flossing process and suggest tips for making flossing more fun!

Fluoride – Fluoride helps prevent mineral loss and simultaneously promotes the remineralization of tooth enamel. Too much fluoride can result in fluorosis, a condition where white specks appear on the permanent teeth, and too little can result in tooth decay. It is important to get the fluoride balance correct. The dentist can evaluate how much the child is currently receiving and prescribe supplements if necessary.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric oral care ( how to care for your child’s teeth), please do not hesitate to ask your dentist.

Other Child-Related Pages:

Care for Your Child’s Teeth | Dental Emergencies | Does Your Child Grind His or Her Teeth at Night? | Eruption of Your Child’s Teeth | First Visit | How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups? | Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking | Sedation Dentistry for Children | What’s the Best Toothpaste for My Child? | When Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit? | Why Are Primary Teeth Important?